[MsNemoShrimp]

For the very 1st time in my shrimp hobby life (About 3-4 years), I added a couple sponge filters to my tanks.

I hated the look, the noise of the bubbles and the air pump - even though its a "whisper 10", but 15 minutes since I added it, it looks very obvious that my shrimps are happier. They swimming around like I just added BorneoWild Dance. Love it!

Not sure if it could be something bad, but if it is good then they really love the extra O2 exchange!!! :bounce:

One question though, I had the system hooked up in a way where 1 Whisper 10 is pumping into two giant sponge filters and they are both in 2 Mr. Aqua 60P tanks. Should I be worried about it not pushing enough air?

I purposely set up a control valve systems so I can reduce the air if necessary since I dislike crazy bubbles splashing the water at the surface. It gets extremely noisy and messy.

So far the Whisper 10 is works perfectly on the 2 sponges. Just the right about of O2 I can tolerate. Enough to make great surface agitation, but not crazy where it'll drive me crazy when trying to sleep

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

The MAIN reason why I hate it is the noise. My tanks are in my room. Obviously still a student so need to do the roommate situation. Until I can afford my own place that is a different story.

I am curious how you can ad an air-stone to the already existing setup of a sponge filter?

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

The bubbles are actually soothing to hear as I have found out but the darn buzzing from the air pump is what really ruins my sleep.

I have it on a nice thick yellow sponge - 3" thick - yet the buzz is merely reduced by about 10%. I am thinking about putting it on a timer.

Only have it on 6AM - 12AM. 18 hours per day should be more than enough aeration?

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

The sponge filter is providing bacterial filtration as well as aeration, and the bacterial colony needs flowing water to stay oxygenated; turning off the air could damage the filter bacteria. You might want to try replacing your air pump. That one might be damage, old or just noisy. Another brand might be quieter.

I see. That's no good then. Second night, I can hear it but somehow wasn't as loud as it was the night before. Maybe I could be getting used to it? We'll see, if by the end of the week I can't even hear it then it would be super cool!

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

If it is the pump.. How about a long line of tubing and relocate the pump out of the room?

Taptalk via mobile phone, watch out for spelling errors. ;-)

Definitely a good idea, but then if it is a REALLY long tubing, it might be really hard on the pump right? But we'll see if we have to even go through that extent by this weekend. Hopefully not

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

I didn't mind the noise, but I hated the mess the bubbles popping made on my drywall. To solve that, I used a piece of packaging that a CFL light bulb came in. I basically cut the molded piece that goes around the bulb out, making a half shell. Then I zip tied the part of the packaging that goes around the base of the bulb to the output of my sponge filter. It fits perfectly, and the only additional thing you need to do is cut a small hole in the top, so that the air can escape the shell. I know that probably isnt too clear, but hopefully I can take a picture of it tonight.

I couldn't tell it's on anymore. Guess I just got used to it

Could definitely use the idea though if you have a picture. Mine doesn't create crazy bubble so no mess - knock on wood - but it does move the water a lot so its pretty perfect.

Ya!!!

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

I might be lucky, and I hope it remains that way, but it seems like I can't even hear my air pump anymore. It's like it's never there. And I know what you all mean about the noisy bubbles. I think it is using too big of a pump causes that problem.

 

[MsNemoShrimp]

No more noise. Literally. Weird huh?