Filtertion in my 12 gallon aquapod

[hgbarwick]

I have heard frequently that the sponge in the sump of the aquapod just biulds up nitrates. Is this true? If it is true and I take out the songe what do I put in the place where it used to be?

[The Marmot]

Any mechanical filtration will probably build up Nitrate(skimming being the exception), just replace the sponge frequently, or remove it. I have a CPR Aquafuge I use as a sump, I keep a filter pad over the return to filter out the larger particles, I replace mine about every 2 weeks. And of course sometimes go without, as the sump was not rreally designed to have a filter there anyway.

[theop]

If you leave the sponge, rinse it out at least every week, preferrably every 2-3 days.