Im cheap and confused about sponge filters!

[Myrr]

Lets get this out there: I'm cheap and kinda broke!

But I want to look into getting a cheap sponge filter for my will-be low-tech shrimp tank. I've heard they appreciate that type of filter, especially by eating off the sponge with all the yummy crud that grows on it. However, I know very little about them.

Can someone, in really simple terms explain how they work if Im not getting it?:

An air pump pumps air into tubing that attaches to the sponge filter. The filter...well, filters, and they usually have a tube at the top that expels bubbles (?) from the pump. The forced air sucks up water and it goes through the media and everything's all hunkydory.

Here's my thing. I dont want to go out and buy an air pump. I have what I think might be some sort of pump from a Tetra whisper 3i filter. They
are cheap but pump out air, not a lot but I would imagine enough for a 4.5g planted.

It looks like this, minus the filter of course


Could I use this as the air pump for the filter? I have a few in mind but I dont think I can post ebay links, hehe

Thanks for the help and any info, Im really confused by what I've found but I think Im over thinking it... sigh!

[Monster Fish]

I used to have one of those filters. Way too big for a nano and way too small for anything 10 gallons or above. You could use the pump for a sponge filter.

[whickerda]

Yeah that air pump will work fine. It seems you've got a very good understanding of how a sponge filter works btw. Just remember also that much of the bacteria that process the nitrogen cycle live on/in the sponge so cycle and treat the sponge accordingly and you'll be good-to-go.

[JackFu]

I've got a couple Hydro Pro sponge filters, and they're great.

I've also got a couple Hagen Elite sponge filters. The Elite's are very noisy, but work fine.

Shrimp do love to pick at the sponges.

[EntoCraig]

In my experience, that particular pump had an extremely low flow. The better the air flow, the better the water circulation and filtering capacity. Not saying it wont work, just might not work very well

Side note: Keep your eyes on online and local classifieds. I often find air pumps and other equipment for free.

[Myrr]

Thanks so much everyone!! Wickerda, It's good to hear that I get it, I'm a bit dense sometimes
Ento, the tank it's going into is teeny tiny so we're starting off mild with the flow. I have a feeling even the weakest pump will be of good use!
Thanks for the suggestions jackfu and ento!!!