Sponge filter question

[dcombs44]

I keep a good sized sponge filter in my sump in order to have a bacteria source for my quarantine. i was also having a problem with microbubbles in my return due to the amount of flow through the sump. to solve the problem i put the overflow hose over the sponge filter spout so the overflow water runs through the sponge. Will this create a nitrate problem in the long run?

 

[schiejr]

Possibly, the raw water may cause a detritus build up in the sponge quickly with a high flow.

Keep the sponge rinsed regularly and monitor nitrates, you can always change if it seems to be a problem and in the mean time you eliminate those pesky bubbles.

 

[dcombs44]

yeah....like i said, the main purpose for the sponge was for my quarantine tank. That's the reason it was there in the first place, but i figured id just replace it when i put the other in quarantine. I will be sure and rinse it when i clean my skimmer weekly to keep the trates down.