Replace sponge in filter

Charles · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 64

On Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:45:21 +1100, "Jaf"
wrote:

>Hi.
>just a quickie. Was wondering if it is 'safe' to replace a sponge filter
>sponge with any (new from wrapper) household sponge with same density? I
>would just cut it down to size. Will the bacteria still 'work' in this new
>sponge? My old sponge (going on 2 years old now) from the shops (original
>sponge that came with the filter) is showing signs that it will fall apart
>soon. Plus it has decreased in size dramatically, so the filters
>effectiveness isnt as great.
>
>Jaf
>
I wouldn't. I replace them with sponges sold by the filter makers.
The stuff I get as household sponges seems to have some additive to
keep them soft and supple, I don't trust it to be fish-safe.

Archived from group: alt>aquaria>tropical>fish>hobbist

Jaf · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 1

Hi.
just a quickie. Was wondering if it is 'safe' to replace a sponge filter
sponge with any (new from wrapper) household sponge with same density? I
would just cut it down to size. Will the bacteria still 'work' in this new
sponge? My old sponge (going on 2 years old now) from the shops (original
sponge that came with the filter) is showing signs that it will fall apart
soon. Plus it has decreased in size dramatically, so the filters
effectiveness isnt as great.

Jaf

swarvegorilla · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 235

"Charles" wrote in message @4ax.com...
> On Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:45:21 +1100, "Jaf"
> wrote:
>
>>Hi.
>>just a quickie. Was wondering if it is 'safe' to replace a sponge filter
>>sponge with any (new from wrapper) household sponge with same density? I
>>would just cut it down to size. Will the bacteria still 'work' in this new
>>sponge? My old sponge (going on 2 years old now) from the shops (original
>>sponge that came with the filter) is showing signs that it will fall apart
>>soon. Plus it has decreased in size dramatically, so the filters
>>effectiveness isnt as great.
>>
>>Jaf
>>
> I wouldn't. I replace them with sponges sold by the filter makers.
> The stuff I get as household sponges seems to have some additive to
> keep them soft and supple, I don't trust it to be fish-safe.
>
>

Just make sure the new sponge doesn't have any detergents or
anti-bacteria/anti-fungal propertys.
Then soak it for a while in water and see if it rots.
Then maybe test in a bucket with one fish
I have tested many a sponge and only been shot down once