Should I remove sponge filter from sump

[rbird]

Here is a picture of my sump:

?

and a closeup of the sponge in question:



The tank and sump have been set up in this configuration for several years. The sponge works as a mechanical filter and there is an obvious visual cue when its time to rinse out the sponge, the water level is higher in the center section of the sump than it is in the return section. I clean the sponge at least once a week.

I get the impression from reading here and looking at pictures of other setups than many go without this type of mechanical filtration. I don't have a problem with nitrates, but I understand the sponge can be a source of nitrates.

Should I remove it?

[DaveG99]

I would thinkits benificial if you keep it clean

[dc_909]

As long as you keep it clean, you should not have a problem. I do something similar with mine.

[Toddrtrex]

I agree, as long as you clean it every week you will be fine. In fact I modified my durso stand pipe so that I have a sponge on it, clean it with each weekly water change.

[rbird]

Wow, those were pretty quick responses.

The only problem I ever had with the sponge was when I neglected to clean it for several weeks. The dirty sponge restricted water flow. The water level in the return section dropped. Since the float for my auto top off is there, it kept adding fresh water. Utlimately enough fresh water was added to lower my salinity.

I've learned my lesson and now I'm pretty diligent about cleaning it.

I guess I'll keep it.

Thanks.

[Dewey58]

I'm curious as to what advantage the sponge does? Collecting detritus is good if you clean it all of the time, but if it stays there for some time I would suggest ditching the filter altogether. The pump will love you for it.
Dewey

[capn_hylinur]

the protein skimmer is all you need for mechanical filtration--I would ditch all filter medium such as the sponge

[gig]

keep it. I use filter socks and once the water starts to overflow the socks (takes about a week or less), I change them out with a clean pair. It helps keep alot of extra solid waste out of the system.

[Sk8r]

I don't use any particulate filter except my cheato ball.

No sponges, no filter socks. I run a fuge and I want the copepods and other no-see-ums to be able to cycle at will. I won't even use a sponge protector on a pump intake.

On the other hand, it would be a good temp idea when you get a sump-diver you're trying to get before he hits the return impeller.

[rbird]

I have had several sump divers. In fact I have had a royal gramma happily residing in an overflow for quite a while. It has resisted every attempt at rescue. I keep hoping to find it in my sump one day.

The sponge doesn't seem to help with snails though. I think I'll scream the next time I have to disassemble my pump because a snail shell is blocking the intake. Its the perfect size and shape to completely block the water flow.