Switching To Sponge Media?

[BryceHockey]

Hi all, hope that I am posting in the correct forum. I just read the sticky guide on filter media again, but didn't see any information in regards to changing my filter media type in an established tank. My 10 gallon tank has been running for just over a year now with the Aqueon Power Filter 10 (100 gallons per hour flow rate). It has pretty standard filter cartridges with carbon, which it sounds as though I could really go without, and they need replaced every month. It's not very cost efficient, so is it safe to switch to a sponge media instead, and will it work in an external filter that hangs on the back, that is designed specifically for the cartridge?

Second, if it is perfectly safe to switch to a sponge, do I need to buy a specific type of sponge?

Thanks,
Bryce

 

[raptorrex]

Hi all, hope that I am posting in the correct forum. I just read the sticky guide on filter media again, but didn't see any information in regards to changing my filter media type in an established tank. My 10 gallon tank has been running for just over a year now with the Aqueon Power Filter 10 (100 gallons per hour flow rate). It has pretty standard filter cartridges with carbon, which it sounds as though I could really go without, and they need replaced every month. It's not very cost efficient, so is it safe to switch to a sponge media instead, and will it work in an external filter that hangs on the back, that is designed specifically for the cartridge?

Second, if it is perfectly safe to switch to a sponge, do I need to buy a specific type of sponge?

Thanks,
Bryce

yes you can change to sponge with no issues. if you throw away the cartridge every month, how do you keep the tank cycled?

as for the type of sponge? nothing specific, just ensure it is not treated with fire retardant. may be best to make your first purchase from a LFS. these will, likely, last for years. by that time you will, probably, not need to ask which type to buy when the time comes.

 

[BryceHockey]

yes you can change to sponge with no issues. if you throw away the cartridge every month, how do you keep the tank cycled?

as for the type of sponge? nothing specific, just ensure it is not treated with fire retardant. may be best to make your first purchase from a LFS. these will, likely, last for years. by that time you will, probably, not need to ask which type to buy when the time comes.

Thank you very much! I figured that it would be fine to switch but always good to make sure.