Rinsing a Pump Sponge

[Lifeguardguy (Expert Goldfish Keeper)]

Rinsing a pump sponge

Quick question here, when I’m rinsing a pump sponge during my water changes, how thoroughly should I clean the gunk out? Do most of the beneficial bacteria live in the sponge? I’m worried about rinsing out my colony if I rinse too vigorously

Thanks!

-Life

[Venus]

Good question

There are a few reasons we rinse our sponges. One is to keep the motor running smoothly; two is to keep the water free of debris; three is to make sure that no beneficial bacteria build up in the sponge. If you waited a few months before rinsing your sponge, it’s possible a small spike could occur. Beneficial bacteria require complete darkness for breeding, and also prefer heavily oxygenated water, so the biggest part of the colony will be found deep inside of the pump, but a few slackers may find the sponge a comfortable nesting place.

Rinse your sponge with every routine water change, and you won’t have to worry about any of the three items listed above

[Lifeguardguy (Expert Goldfish Keeper)]

Thanks for explaining that! It all makes sense now. lol

[Author]

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