sponge filter or canister for quarantine tank

[marcnc]

I am setting up a new QT 40b, mostly using this as I had it sitting around and everything to setup. Should I use a sponge filter for it or canister filter. I already have the canister, but thinking since it will be bare bottom and I plan to leave it setup all the time I should use a sponge filter as well? What do you guys think?

Thanks

 

[Mr.Tan]

when you say sponge filter, do you mean the HOB type? if so, i'd just use one of those and not the canister. the HOB will be easier to take care of and clean

 

[StrangeDejavu]

I like to run HOB + sponge filter in my QT. The HOB will provide most of the biological and some flow, with the sponge acting as a backup. I've had AquaClear HOBs fail to start on their own after a power flicker, so a sponge filter is a good safety net if for some reason the HOB fails to come back on. More biological doesn't hurt, either.

 

[marcnc]

As for sponge filter I was thinking one of the Tower Block filters with the jetlifters. So you guys are thinking do away then with the canister? I was just going to use it as I have it sitting around, but not set on using it. The canister is eheim 2217. If HOB and sponge are the better way to go, what do you guys suggest for HOB?

Thanks

 

[Jscwerve]

I use a canister full of ceramic media that I seed in my sump for a few weeks. Clean it regularly. I've never seen any ammonia in my qt at all.

 

[GimpyFin]

I use an HOB w/ the sponge and ceramic biomedia, no carbon. Easy to upkeep.

 

[puckett26]

I use a sponge filter that's connected to an air pump. I leave the sponge in the last chamber in my sump so it does accumulate junk in it. Then when I need to QT I have a fully cycled sponge.

 

[Sadpanda67]

I use a canister full of ceramic media that I seed in my sump for a few weeks. Clean it regularly. I've never seen any ammonia in my qt at all.

+1 on this. Just don't put any "filter" media in it that could catch detritus and cause ammonia spikes.