Sponge plus HOB filter for 29 gallon with Betta

[GregD]

Hello-

I am looking for suggestions for a HOB filter with low flow. I have a 29 gallon tank with a Betta, a bristlenose pleco, a couple yo-yo loaches, and green neon tetras. I also have a medium size sponge filter and an existing HOB filter that came with the aquarium. I’m worried the flow is too much for the betta. Should I just get rid of the HOB and only have a single sponge? Or should I get an adjustable hob?

 

[Back in the fold]

Buy an Aquaclear Mini . Any Aquaclear is adjustable for flow rate too . They are the absolutely best HOB that money can buy . In your 29 gallon the Betta will find the spots where the flow doesn’t bother him .

 

[MaloK]

It depends on the sponge filter. A medium size sponge with a capable air pump is enough.

Something that compares to these are enough for a 30 gallons.
With an air pump that is at least rated for the tank size.

Or you can try to find a way to restrict the water flow in your HOB by installing an intake sponge.

If your setup is relatively new, the water flow will reduce with time.

 

[GregD]

Buy an Aquaclear Mini . Any Aquaclear is adjustable for flow rate too . They are the absolutely best HOB that money can buy . In your 29 gallon the Betta will find the spots where the flow doesn’t bother him .

Thanks! Should I get one for a smaller tank? Meaning not but the size for a 29gallon because I also have a sponge?

 

[GregD]

It depends on the sponge filter. A medium size sponge with a capable air pump is enough.

Something that compares to these are enough for a 30 gallons.
With an air pump that is at least rated for the tank size.

Or you can try to find a way to restrict the water flow in your HOB by installing an intake sponge.

If your setup is relatively new, the water flow will reduce with time.

I have an imaginarium sponge 20 and an airpump suitable for my tank size. Here’s a pic of the sponge. So I’m thinking I get another HOB that is smaller in size - like for a 20 gallon. Make sense?

 

[MaloK]

Your Sponge filter is a little small to sustain your whole tank... But what is the HOB you have, some may have idea to slow it down.

 

[GregD]

Your Sponge filter is a little small to sustain your whole tank... But what is the HOB you have, some may have idea to slow it down.

My 10 yo daughter is adamant that I get one that has adjustable flow. The one hob I have is big and not adjustable. So, since my sponge is a little small, I’m off to the store to get a hob that adjusts. Should I get one that is smaller- eg for a 20 gallon since I also have a sponge?

 

[Magnum Man]

I have a tendency to over filter... and i do have sponge filters rated at over 60 gallons... so maybe just a larger sponge filter...

I find smaller mechanical filters to be short lived, and highly unreliable...

 

[MaloK]

My 10 yo daughter is adamant that I get one that has adjustable flow. The one hob I have is big and not adjustable. So, since my sponge is a little small, I’m off to the store to get a hob that adjusts. Should I get one that is smaller- eg for a 20 gallon since I also have a sponge?

If you get an Aquaclear go with something for the size of the tank. Like an Aquaclear A600 for 10 to 30 gallons. With the flow control your are going to be able to put it at 1/3 of the power.

 

[GregD]

I have a tendency to over filter... and i do have sponge filters rated at over 60 gallons... so maybe just a larger sponge filter...

I find smaller mechanical filters to be short lived, and highly unreliable...

I’m liking this idea. Thanks

 

[MaloK]

It's going to co$t a lot less, And with an adequate air pump.

The Hygger I suggested has space for Bio-media a kit of spare sponge + ceramic balls, cost less than 20$

And.... It will last forever.

I'm using one in my last setup.

 

[MaloK]

I'm far from sponsored but from my own convictions. I unwrapped one I have in "stock" to show the potential of this "thing".

Really. Really hard to beat.