New to shrimp...

TheNamelessPoet · 06-05-2012, 01:52 PM

The more I read I keep reading about these sponge filters... are they needed or can I use my standard HOB filter

For a shimp tank sorry lol

**Caleb19** · 06-05-2012, 01:57 PM

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...p-keepers.html

Give this a gander, provides a substantial amount of information in regards to filtration. I can tell you this, sponge filters seem to be a standard in most shrimp tanks. Is it required? Not necessarily, but it's cheap and does an excellent job in regards to biological filtration.

TheNamelessPoet · 06-05-2012, 02:02 PM

Oh great :-) thanks for the quick response!!!

**elwray** · 06-05-2012, 05:53 PM

I'm using a HOB filter, just because I already had one, with a sponge over the intake. It's perfectly fine, but I'm adding a sponge filter like the one Caleb19 linked to provide more filtration - the sponge pre-filter significantly reduces flow in my HOB.

TheNamelessPoet · 06-05-2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elwray

I'm using a HOB filter, just because I already had one, with a sponge over the intake. It's perfectly fine, but I'm adding a sponge filter like the one Caleb19 linked to provide more filtration - the sponge pre-filter significantly reduces flow in my HOB.

That's what i was afraid of with the hob filter

madness · 06-05-2012, 06:04 PM

Another benefit of using a sponge filter (in addition to your HoB or canister filter) is that when you clean the primary filter (HoB or canister filter) you don't have to worry as much about nuking/killing the majority of the beneficial bacteria.

Having the secondary filter (especially one like a sponge filter that rarely needs cleaned) can help to avoid mini-cycles associated with the cleaning or replacement of filter media.

Most fish survive these events but shrimp can be more sensitive.

Sponge filters also provide a feeding surface for the shrimp.

Kunsthure · 06-05-2012, 06:16 PM

I only use HOBs with sponge pre-filters. I think sponge filters are ugly and take up too much room. I run two filters on every tank except my 37g. You can never have too much filtration and by having two, I'm not screwed if one dies. If you're doing a planted tank, the plants need good water movement. And more water going through the filters means cleaner water, which is what shrimp need.

-Lisa

**cprash** · 06-05-2012, 06:26 PM

I'm using a Aquaclear 20 on an Ebi 7.9 gallon with a Marina sponge prefilter. The sponge came as part of a pack but the sponge filter apparatus took up too much space as it was attached to the pipe at 90 degrees.

Since the sponge is ribbed, the shrimp settle inside the crevices and chill there for a few hours. It probably reduces the flow by half, but it does collect all the debris and since it is black, it doesn’t look dirty per se. I like the HoB because even with its small size, I was able to cram a larger sponge (probs not necessary), bag of Purigen and some ceramic media in there.

moosenart · 06-05-2012, 06:27 PM

I have an AC 30 on my 20L I had a tetra 10 HOB too. In my 10gallon I have a solo sponge filter.

madness · 06-05-2012, 07:05 PM

Plenty of different ways to keep most shrimp.

Unless you are getting into high end stuff (where people tend to be overly cautious) the sponge filter is not so much mandatory.

Even then it isn't mandatory but just becomes more recommended because with something like TB babies or PRL babies you need all the help you can get. Feeding surfaces for babies, increased oxygen in the water, etc.

06-05-2012, 01:52 PM	#1
TheNamelessPoet Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2012 Location: Windsor, CT Posts: 142	New to shrimp... The more I read I keep reading about these sponge filters... are they needed or can I use my standard HOB filter For a shimp tank sorry lol

06-05-2012, 06:16 PM	#7
Kunsthure Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (35/100%) Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central Virginia Posts: 1,776	I only use HOBs with sponge pre-filters. I think sponge filters are ugly and take up too much room. I run two filters on every tank except my 37g. You can never have too much filtration and by having two, I'm not screwed if one dies. If you're doing a planted tank, the plants need good water movement. And more water going through the filters means cleaner water, which is what shrimp need. -Lisa __________________ 13g: Blue Velvet Love, 20g: a 5 y/o girl's dream, 37g: will I ever go pressurized?, 75g: silky magic RAOK Club #64 and Nikon Pimp #75, baby!

06-05-2012, 06:27 PM	#9
moosenart The Last One (View User Tanks) PTrader: (13/100%) Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Castle Rock, Colorado Posts: 766	I have an AC 30 on my 20L I had a tetra 10 HOB too. In my 10gallon I have a solo sponge filter. __________________ I have learned that I am the only one left standing and voicing my personal opinion.

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06-05-2012, 01:57 PM	#2
Caleb19 Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 151	http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...p-keepers.html Give this a gander, provides a substantial amount of information in regards to filtration. I can tell you this, sponge filters seem to be a standard in most shrimp tanks. Is it required? Not necessarily, but it's cheap and does an excellent job in regards to biological filtration.

06-05-2012, 02:02 PM	#3
TheNamelessPoet Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: May 2012 Location: Windsor, CT Posts: 142	Oh great :-) thanks for the quick response!!!

06-05-2012, 05:53 PM	#4
elwray Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (7/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 184	I'm using a HOB filter, just because I already had one, with a sponge over the intake. It's perfectly fine, but I'm adding a sponge filter like the one Caleb19 linked to provide more filtration - the sponge pre-filter significantly reduces flow in my HOB.

06-05-2012, 06:04 PM	#6
madness Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (14/100%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,695	Another benefit of using a sponge filter (in addition to your HoB or canister filter) is that when you clean the primary filter (HoB or canister filter) you don't have to worry as much about nuking/killing the majority of the beneficial bacteria. Having the secondary filter (especially one like a sponge filter that rarely needs cleaned) can help to avoid mini-cycles associated with the cleaning or replacement of filter media. Most fish survive these events but shrimp can be more sensitive. Sponge filters also provide a feeding surface for the shrimp.

06-05-2012, 06:26 PM	#8
cprash Keeper of Pencilfish (View User Tanks) PTrader: (20/100%) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 541	I'm using a Aquaclear 20 on an Ebi 7.9 gallon with a Marina sponge prefilter. The sponge came as part of a pack but the sponge filter apparatus took up too much space as it was attached to the pipe at 90 degrees. Since the sponge is ribbed, the shrimp settle inside the crevices and chill there for a few hours. It probably reduces the flow by half, but it does collect all the debris and since it is black, it doesn’t look dirty per se. I like the HoB because even with its small size, I was able to cram a larger sponge (probs not necessary), bag of Purigen and some ceramic media in there.

06-05-2012, 07:05 PM	#10
madness Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (14/100%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,695	Plenty of different ways to keep most shrimp. Unless you are getting into high end stuff (where people tend to be overly cautious) the sponge filter is not so much mandatory. Even then it isn't mandatory but just becomes more recommended because with something like TB babies or PRL babies you need all the help you can get. Feeding surfaces for babies, increased oxygen in the water, etc.