Are you a fish owner trying to weigh your filter options? Trust me; the decision can be a tough one. I’ve been struggling with this for several years and tried every other filter for my fish tank. Recently, I had to do a lot of research to weigh my options, which would be better between a sponge filter, hob filter, or power filter. Let’s see what I discovered.
Sponge filter
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Last update on 2020-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sponge filter
Sponge filters are durable and easy to use. It will never suck up your tiny aquarium fish, keeping them happy, safe, and healthy.
It’s also the ideal filter for breeding and quarantine as it enables a moderate flow rate. Its model and design is highly advanced and created using high-end technology.
While a sponge filter is designed to be simple and quickly accustomed to dirt, they are popular for its excellent performance in cleaning your tanks in both biological and mechanical methods.
Mode of operation
Its working mechanism is simple. It requires the use of an air pump which you have to buy separately.
There’s an air tube fitted in the middle of the sponge. The air tube uses an air pump to blow the air out. The air pump creates a high pressure that pulls out water from the sponge.
The sponge captures and stops any solid waste products which you can later remove manually when you change the water. These foods can also serve as food requirements for the beneficial bacteria in the tank.
Also, sponge filters help to convert the decayed materials into harmless nitrates, which you can easily take out of the tank when the tank water is changed.
Maintenance
You can easily maintain fish sponge filters. What’s important is to implement the maintenance process regularly.
Thankfully, you can easily see when your sponge gets dirty.
Furthermore, the amount of food, plants, fish, and other factors in the aquarium can determine the level of maintenance to be implemented in the tank.
The best way to have your sponge cleaned- based on an expert recommendation- is to perform a water change. You need to save a part of the removed water to do this.
Plunge the sponge in the used water, then squeeze and release the sponge to dislodge all dirt that has accumulated on it.
If you perform this procedure regularly, the sponge will last long and won’t clog totally.
You can- in most cases- use this in multiples. You can either stack one sponge on another or using two inlets.
If you use more than one sponge for your tank, you can rearrange the cleaning schedule, so you don’t do all the sponges together.
Doing this will limit the influence on biological colonies, and reduce the risk of ammonia spikes or nitrites after cleaning.
Filtering capabilities
The sponge performs a mechanical filtration by filtering out or removing solid debris such as leftover food, fish waste, and other small water particles.
Hence, sponges with smaller pores can capture smaller particles.
It will lead to a slow-motion because of the decreased water flow. Precisely, it functions as a unit of mechanical filtration.
But its function does not end here; a sponge filter can also perform biological filtration.
Biological filtration is a critical method that helps to maintain a healthy freshwater or saltwater environment.
That’s because fish waste can release toxic ammonia into the fish tank, which can be harmful to both plants and fish, regardless of the quantity of the compound.
Hence, biological filters, are beneficial because they allow the activities of ammonia eating bacteria that degrades ammonia into nitrite (nitrites can be fatal to aquatic life).
Again, the beneficial bacteria go-ahead to break down this nitrite by converting them into nitrates, which are less harmful to aquariums.
Here’s the thing; sponge filters are not actively engaged in chemical filtration.
Price
Sponge filters are relatively reasonably priced when compared to other types of filters.
What you should be aware of
Sponge filters have their filtration capacities limited, especially when you own a larger aquarium. Also, using air pumps can make the filter inefficient and loud.
I also noticed that these filters tend to stick out, making them difficult to hide beside decorations and plants.
Hob filter
- Aquarium filtration system that offers...
- Quick and easy installation, we...
- WITH ROTATING BIO-WHEEL: Patented...
- MULTI-STAGE FILTRATION: Delivers...
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- Low noise: Filter motor running will not...
- Aquarium filtration system that offers...
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Last update on 2020-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hob filter
Hob filters are different from the sponge filter. As we move on, we will expand more on the main difference between both. But for now, let’s discuss its mode of operation.
Mode of operation
Hob filter does not have any sponge that captures water in the tank. Simply hang the filter on the back of the tank, and it will use a small pump and a lift time to extract water.
When water gets in the filter, it uses multiple filter media to purify the water. Unlike the sponge filter, the hob filter goes through chemical, biological, and mechanical filtration.
Once you have successfully filtered the water, it is delivered back to the tank. Like the sponge filter, It is also easier to set up HOBs.
Maintenance
One of the perks of HOB’s is easy cleaning-you have to disassemble them every few days to remove build-up, and you must replace the filter as soon as it performs less.
Filtering capabilities
In terms of aesthetics, if you’re looking for a filter that won’t fault your tank’s view or you don’t like machinery and several tubing, a pretty simple choice would be a HOB filter.
If you will be using your filters for commercial use, for example, if you have a store, you must think professionally. This is where you will need a HOB filter.
Price
HOB filters are a bit pricier as they are designed to support larger aquariums. Because of its built quality, HOB filters can be operated for a longer period.
The price can differ by a wide margin when you check on stores.
What you should be aware of
Like most filters out there, always replace the carbon in the filter, and regularly- because saturated carbon may have wasted and releases harmful toxins.
Power filter
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- MULTI-STAGE FILTRATION: Delivers...
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- Whisper 40 Power Filter
Last update on 2020-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Inarguably, power filters are one of the commonly used filters among aquarium owners.
They suitably support medium-sized tank, as these filters can filter water in a way faster than it’s under gravel counterparts. How do they work?
Mode of operation
If you’ve ever bought one of those cheaper aquarium sets before, it usually comes with a power filter. Power filters are not installed inside the tank but at the back of the tank.
Here’s how they work:
A power filter allows water circulation through a pump. The pump allows the entry of water into a filtration chamber. The clean water is sent back into the tank via tubes.
Sounds simple?
Yes, because it is.
Power filters are averagely priced, simple to install, and because of where they are placed, they won’t suck up much space.
Most power filters enable you to store another type of filters- paving the way for a better filtration process.
Maintenance
If your tank is larger or heavily stocked, we recommend going for a power filter because of its quality- it takes some time for a larger amount of water to purify. Still, a power filter does a quick and effective job.
Price
While they are generally inexpensive, power filters are more expensive than its sponge counterparts- therefore, this might not be your ideal choice if you’re on a budget.
Filtering capabilities
Power filters will never interfere with the interior of your tank- not only does this filter save spaces, but they are also a safe option for your plants and fish, which won’t get trapped inside. The major concern with power filters is cleaning-you have to disassemble them every few days to take off build-up, and you must replace the filter as soon as it performs less.
What you should be aware of
Remember, as with the HOB filters, make sure you replace the carbon in the filter regularly, as saturated carbon may contain waste and release toxins.
Sponge filter vs hob vs power filter- final Verdict
Sponge filters are durable and easy to use. It will never suck up your tiny aquarium fish, keeping them happy, safe, and healthy.
It’s also the ideal filter for breeding and quarantine as it enables a calm flow rate. However, you won’t get a chemical filtration. And if you’re looking for a filter that incorporates all the three filter media, then go for a power filter. However, if you own a larger aquarium, I’ll suggest going to a HOB filter.
Also, In terms of aesthetics, if you’re looking for a filter that won’t fault your tank’s view or you don’t like machinery and several tubing, a pretty simple choice would be a HOB filter. Overall, it all goes down to your preference and aquarium needs.
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