Best sponge for 10 gallon with chemical filtration? QUIET Air pump?

[metropolis93fan]

I have similar issues, but I do have a bigass generator for the whole house for big outages.
However, I don't turn it on unless I expect the outage to last a long time, so I am considering a small UPS for the aquariums.. they aren't crazy expensive and the filters take so little energy it would go for hours with no problem.

UPS will have to wait. On disability, lol. Already wasn't planning on buying a sponge filter and pump... chunk I wasn't planning on spending, but I want my betta comfortable.

 

[Archerfish]

Have you already purchased the sponge filter or are you still shopping? A picture of what you have or will get will help me determine which parts you will need to make the bubbles less noisy. I really should do a column for this site on how to accomplish this.

 

[metropolis93fan]

Have you already purchased the sponge filter or are you still shopping? A picture of what you have or will get will help me determine which parts you will need to make the bubbles less noisy. I really should do a column for this site on how to accomplish this.

Haven't bought it yet, but this is what I'm leaning toward: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JGQ1ML...5GFKH28U&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Ram419]

Haven't bought it yet, but this is what I'm leaning toward: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JGQ1ML...5GFKH28U&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I'm in love with these. Bought one for each of my smaller tanks (10 to 3 gallon frehswater). You can put the output in a direction towards the glass that minimizes the impact on floater plants. There's a two filter version for larger tanks too.

It does't come with carbon although I guess you could substitute the beads with a carbon bag.
This one has a carbon bag that comes with it --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DPHDF8Z?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[metropolis93fan]

I'm in love with these. Bought one for each of my smaller tanks (10 to 3 gallon frehswater). You can put the output in a direction towards the glass that minimizes the impact on floater plants. There's a two filter version for larger tanks too.

It does't do carbon although I guess you could substitue the beads with a carbon bag.
This one has a carbon bag that comes with it --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DPHDF8Z?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Huh... I thought it said something about using bio material OR carbon inside it. Must have been thinking of another... which I don't remember which it was. Won't an in-tank filter like the one you shared be just as disruptive as a HOB, though? THat's what I'm trying to avoid...

 

[Ram419]

Huh... I thought it said something about using bio material OR carbon inside it. Must have been thinking of another... which I don't remember which it was. Won't an in-tank filter like the one you shared be just as disruptive as a HOB, though? THat's what I'm trying to avoid...

I can't comment as I've not used it yet. But it does have a shutter to control the water flow on it. I would think the one you picked which is what I'm using now is more ideal for calmer waters overall.

 

[metropolis93fan]

I can't comment as I've not used it yet. But it does have a shutter to control the water flow on it. I would think the one you picked which is what I'm using now is more ideal for calmer waters overall.

Why couldn't you put carbon in the sponge filter? If it has the space for something extra, why not put in carbon instead of bio materials? Just curious...

 

[Ram419]

Why couldn't you put carbon in the sponge filter? If it has the space for something extra, why not put in carbon instead of bio materials? Just curious...

In this one? You could put a carbon bag in it instead of the beads it comes with it. https/www.amazon.com/dp/B08JGQ1ML...5GFKH28U&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[metropolis93fan]

In this one? You could put a carbon bag in it instead of the beads it comes with it. https/www.amazon.com/dp/B08JGQ1ML...5GFKH28U&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Yeah! That's exactly what I'd meant to do. Good! Glad I still can! Phew!

 

[Archerfish]

I went to the link. I am not familiar with that brand or style of sponge filter. What I mean is, I have never used a sponge/chemical filter combination. I can't tell from their pictures or video if the vent at the top is removable. It shows that it can be rotated along with stem but not whether it can be separated which is important for modification. The reviews say filter is quiet but that subjective. Here is what I use and also larger versions of this style. https://www.amazon.com/Aquapapa-Spo...+filters+for+aquariums&qid=1687009168&sr=8-30
What I like about this design is that the filter can be completely disassembled and modified. Also, in my opinion, the fact that the airline hose connects directly to the body of the filter is a much better design. Some other brands first connect the airline tube to a rigid clear tube which is then inserted into the body.

 

[Ram419]

I went to the link. I am not familiar with that brand or style of sponge filter. What I mean is, I have never used a sponge/chemical filter combination. I can't tell from their pictures or video if the vent at the top is removable. It shows that it can be rotated along with stem but not whether it can be separated which is important for modification. The reviews say filter is quiet but that subjective. Here is what I use and also larger versions of this style. https://www.amazon.com/Aquapapa-Spo...+filters+for+aquariums&qid=1687009168&sr=8-30
What I like about this design is that the filter can be completely disassembled and modified. Also, in my opinion, the fact that the airline hose connects directly to the body of the filter is a much better design. Some other brands first connect the airline tube to a rigid clear tube which is then inserted into the body.

Your pump would be the thing making noise unless you really cranked the dial up on the air regulator. Yes, the oscilating top output rotates, goes up and down, and can be removed.

 

[sharkweek178]

Why couldn't you put carbon in the sponge filter? If it has the space for something extra, why not put in carbon instead of bio materials? Just curious...

No reason you couldn't. That's the fun thing about filters. You can tinker with them. And sponge filters are such a simple design that it's hard to mess them up. The only person I know of who ever broke a sponge filter is me in a couple of failed attempts to rig one with an air stone.

 

[davros]

One could run the airline into another room. Check valves are important btw.