HOB or sponge?

[JC]

What kind of filtration do you guys use?  Hang on back only, sponges only, or both in same tank?  Why do you use what you use?

[LizStreithorst]

Sponges only.  There is a greater surface area for beneficial bacteria, require less maintenance, and are cheaper to run.

[wsantia1]

I'm doing both on the same tank but I want to switch to just sponges and supplement with the hot mags. I think my tanks are too overstocked for that right now.

[Mugwump]

I'm doing both on the same tank but I want to switch to just sponges and supplement with the hot mags. I think my tanks are too overstocked for that right now.

Righto, Willie......on a few of my 55's, etc...I still run both because I tend to overstock the fry...I supplement with the HOT mag, and larger volume water changes tho....keeps everything peachie 

[BallAquatics]

HMF and sponges.  Way too many tanks to run power filters.

Dennis

[LizStreithorst]

Josh, you have that big fine pump that will handle way more air devices than you have?  It's a no brainer in your case.  Take advantage of your pump.  Go with sponges. 

[wsantia1]

I'm doing both on the same tank but I want to switch to just sponges and supplement with the hot mags. I think my tanks are too overstocked for that right now.

Righto, Willie......on a few of my 55's, etc...I still run both because I tend to overstock the fry...I supplement with the HOT mag, and larger volume water changes tho....keeps everything peachie 

I hit them with the larger water changes too.

[Mugwump]

I should have added that I've probably got 80+ sponges going too....most tanks are all sponges..

[JC]

Josh, you have that big fine pump that will handle way more air devices than you have?  It's a no brainer in your case.  Take advantage of your pump.  Go with sponges.

Oh man I love this pump I just hooked it up today and it's so powerful and quiet. Every tank I have (and will have) is going to have sponges just not sure if I want to completely nix the HOB's or not. With the hot mag you guys are talking about do you move it from tank to tank??

[Mugwump]

It's a hang on the tank Magnum filter....the little brother of the big 'mag's....and yes, you can move them around easily, they're great for after water changes to capture the remaining debris..plus to use any time as a aux filter....I have three, plus three Diatom filters....my 'big boy', XL' is running on the 130 right now....filters to a micron.....

http://www.lakesideliquidation.com/marineland-hot-magnum-250-dual-purpose-canister-filter/?gclid=CJqmmtS19sECFQYFaQod1GgAbQ

[LizStreithorst]

I used to run one on everything but breeding tanks 24/7.  I had a ton of them.  Mine lasted a long time but not forever as I'd hoped.  I love them.  Big Al's had a very good price on them last time I looked.

[Mugwump]

I used to run one on everything but breeding tanks 24/7.  I had a ton of them.  Mine lasted a long time but not forever as I'd hoped.  I love them.  Big Al's had a very good price on them last time I looked.

..and carry's the parts too....easy to fix as long as the motor's not fried from running dry...

[JC]

Those hot mags are neat. How long do you usually leave it on a tank before switching it?

[GraphicGr8s]

I've got mostly Tetra filters on 8 tanks, an Aquamaster on 1 a sump on one and the old school box filters on some 10 breeding tanks. The old Aquamasters are great on breeding tanks. I don't use the Tetras on breeders since the fry get mashed by the impeller.  I do like the Tetras also just for the simplicity of them.

[BillT]

I deally I would agree with Liz and Dennis. I  An HMF is just a super big sponge.

But I also have some air drive box filters in tanks (cheap, OK for a light bio-load) and I have some racks of tanks with a big pump and central filtration. This is efficient by centralizing a lot of maintenance and monitoring and making automation easier and cheaper (having fewer things to control).