Filter question

[Socalx45]

I have a black sponge filter between my refugium and my return pumps. I have copepods in my refugium and I'm wondering if they can get through that filter. Also sometimes that filter slows down the flow so I have to clean it. I'm just afraid I'm killing a bunch of stuff living in there. Is that filter needed? Does anyone use anything besides a sponge filter? I was wondering if I just stuffed a bunch of live rock rubble would it do the same thing? But then if it got clogged I would be screwed.

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[jacob.morgan78]

I've never put filters within the baffles. I would get some eggcrate cut to fit on the top to keep you chaeto from going through and not use a filter.

 

[Socalx45]

Wouldn't the chaeto go through the egg crate?

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[thegrun]

Wouldn't the chaeto go through the egg crate?

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Sometimes a small piece will get through, but generally very little and none of concern. Your sponge filter on the other hand will increase your nitrates unless you clean it every 3-4 days.

 

[Socalx45]

So I removed the filter in my baffle and use eggcrate now. I also cleaned my eheim return pump. It had a sponge filter as well which was clogged. I removed it and man the difference of flow with those 2 sponge filters gone is ridiculous. I love it! I take it I really don't need the sponge filter around my return pump?

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[thegrun]

No you do not need or want the sponge filter at your pump, like other mechanical filters it would need to be cleaned every three days.

 

[firemountain]

I removed my sponge last year and couldn't be happier. They are nitrate traps if not tended to regularly.