Sponges on intake

[keepitclean]

Been reading alot and would like to clarify. Should the intake sponges on jets and skimmer be removed to eliminate a possible nitrate build up?

Or am I totally not catching this.

Thanks:confused:

[Travis L. Stevens]

The sponges will catch debris and actually cause nitrates if they aren't cleaned thuroughly on a regular basis.

[keepitclean]

So, leave them as a filter, but clean regularly. Right?

[nsreefer]

If not rinsed out regularly they can become nitrate factories yes. A weekly rinsing in tank water while doing a water change will prevent this however. I use sponges on all of my intakes since i lost my beloved percula clown to a powerhead.

[Joshjohnson]

i agree, i like them because they help filter small debris in the water, but you have to clean often, i clean my about every three days.