Seeded Sponge Filter, Medium – Cultured 6+ Months in a Father Fish Tank, Live Bacteria & Microfauna
A living piece of a Father Fish tank.
This isn't a new sponge. It has run in one of Lou's aquariums for at least six months and is full of beneficial bacteria, biofilm and microfauna. Add it to your tank and you're adding a working ecosystem.
The problem
New tanks take weeks to cycle, and bottled bacteria are hit or miss. Sterile tanks also lack the microfauna that fry and shrimp feed on.
The Father Fish way
The Father Fish method is built on life in the tank. Seeding from a mature system is the oldest trick in fishkeeping, and this sponge comes straight from ours.
Your plan
- Open it right away. Keep the sponge wet, and don't rinse it under tap water.
- Install it with its bag water. Connect it to your air pump with airline tubing and a check valve.
- Add fish slowly and test. It jump-starts the cycle but isn't instant. Keep the bioload light at first and test for ammonia and nitrite.
What you get
- 1 medium sponge filter, 5 inches, cultured 6+ months in a Father Fish aquarium
- Contains live microfauna
- Ships Monday to Wednesday by 2-day shipping, in a fish bag with tank water
- Live arrival guaranteed
What's in a living sponge: beneficial bacteria, biofilm and microfauna such as copepods and worms. It comes from a working tank, so small hitchhikers such as snails can come along.
Why it matters
A sterile start means a long cycle and hungry fry. A seeded start gives your tank a head start.
FAQ
- Will the bacteria survive shipping? It ships in tank water by 2-day shipping, early in the week, and live arrival is guaranteed.
- Can I add fish right away? A few, then test. It's a jump-start, not an instant cycle.
- Does it need an air pump? Yes, like any sponge filter.
- Could it bring hitchhikers? It's a live culture, so small snails or other tiny animals can come along.
