preferred spongefilter for QT

[Ron Popeil]

just wondering if theres a certain brand i should look for when incorporating a sponge filter into my QT system?

are there models or designs that are much more efficient? is this really a much better alternative to say, a whisper hang on filter without the carbon (running merely for circulation)?

also, say i keep a sponge filter in my sump between four and eight weeks, and then immediately place it in a QT tank with copper or formalin, about what percentage of bacteria should i expect to lose, and is it now rendered useless? any experiences or literature i can be pointed to?

thanks for the tips.

 

[oama]

For it's simplicity, a simple airlift spounge filter works the best. Any would do just as good. HOTB filter tend to be more work/worry with the siphon/pump.

Unless you are using anti-Bs/formalin or other drugs that can directly effect nitrifying bacteria, I would not worry much about it. If anything, once you add the air-lift the biofiltration should increase.

IME, systems can Cycle just fine while under going copper treatment.

I still have questions about the statement about copper effecting a biological filter. Granted, there is often seen an ammonia spike. But is this due to a depression of the nitrifying bacteria? Or just a die-off of the biota from the copper that over loads the filtration system? One of the questions that I would love to research/test further, if I ever had the time.

And, yes, Formalin Will Kill any biological filtration.

But, the bottom line on what filter to use, depends on what size tank and the amount of fish you have in that tank.