Looking for more information on fish tank filtration? Check out these videos! Sponge FIlter vs Hang on Back Filter: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/irSPmMSY36-pqY0.html Hang on Back Filter vs Canister Filter: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oJlmf6qIvpnOaXU.html Sponge FIlter vs Under Gravel Filter: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g5iqkqSHt960nWg.html How we clean sponge filters: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oNZkbMuVx8eUlY0.html Check out Flip Aquatics if you are looking at Matten or Sponge Filters! flipaquatics.com/

How does prime time aquatics only have 30K subs??? The videos are so high quality and informative.

Never thought sponge filters were an eye sore. I like them and so do the fish.

Dude your videos are FIRE. I like how you manage to pack information densely so the video doesn't drone on forever. Keep up the good work!

brilliant video. Explains why the Europeans are 20 years ahead of us on filtration. US manufacturers and suppliers have instead focused on selling higher cost, more profitable solutions like canisters and HOB's. Thanks for a dramatic example of why simple is quite often much better, and why as hobbyists we need to be wary of the marketing hype around expensive alternatives.

Its official! You're in my top 4 fishy KZfaqrs! Interesting and useful info presented clearly! Love it! Ty!!

I wish that I had access to your information 35 years ago when I started in the hobby. You have the best information on KZfaq, and should be required viewing for all new fish keepers. I always like the opportunity to learn something new.

So cool! You learn something new everyday in this hobby. I love the idea of the Matten filter being in the corner of the tank. U can also use black film to cover the part of the tank ur Matten Filter is in instead of using black paint. Just in case u wanted to change the look of ur tank in the future its easier to remove.

I love my sponge filters. Always will use them. Great video as always . Thanks

Great video mate👌 I just love bare bottom fancy goldfish tanks with sponge filter😍😀💘

Great comparison Jason.

Great comparison. Thanks for the info

Another benefit of the Hamburg Matten filter is that they can be used as a divider to split one long tank into two separate tanks--breeding on one side and fry rearing on the other, for example.

Hello from your newest sub! Love your vids!

This video was so informative, thanks! I just subscribed too

I've seen people run these matten filters and they are so good for planted tanks especially when they are also breeding cichlids and there are so many different ways how to run them I've seen one guy that ran a tiny little pond pump just to increase flow and it worked really good

Great video brother it amazes me how many types of filters are in the market

Great video,as always😎

I put a corner matten filter in my 10 gallon but I cut the bottom 2 inches off so I can lift most of the filter for cleaning without disrupting the substrate. These matten filters make a great place to hide equipment like a heater. The other thing that I have done is grow mosses up the filter and it blends in with the aquascape.

I did not realize matten filters were so cheap! I'm thinking of switching to those for my shrimp tanks. In my battle with the Titans today (gold ocelatus), I only got bitten 9 times - huge improvement over last time. I think he knows who is boss now. (him)

Another awesome video!

That's so cool a wall of filter that's great for my Molly and guppies they love eating off the sponges

I might try a matten filter a corner one I have a a 13x13x18 inch aquarium that it might work perfect for! As always thanks for all the great info!

Hi Jason, I did find this video very useful. I have developed a lot of interest in the Matten filter lately, and I want to get a little better understanding of exactly how they work and draw water through them. I will probably ask you a few more questions on them tomorrow at the swap. I will see you in the morning. Thanks for sharing 👍.

Very informative video. More surface area, yes.

Amazing!!! Tks!!

Just installed a 6 inch corner filter from Swiss Tropicals in my 75g, everything fit perfectly, I like the look, its a great place to hide the heater and the pump for the trickle filter. a few plants in front and you won't even notice its in there. I went with the 6 inch because of size and its not my main filtration, its just the first stage, water gets pumped from behind the Matten pad to an overhead trickle filter then an aerated sump with an overflow return to the tank. Testing the filtration system, trickle filter and sump now, not much left to do but pump it down and start aquascaping.

This couldnt be more timely for me , i spent all day yesterday talking with my local fish store about what filter system i should use in my fish room once its finished , i'll be running around 18 4 foot tanks mainly stocked with pairs or trios of American cichlids and i think with the added benefit of the flow provided out of a mattern i think I'm leaning towards going that way my only issues is getting hold of the amount of foam i would need at the size i would need

i noticed when i went from sponge filter to matten filter the flow in the tank much stronger blowing my plants around and food during feedings. also i used a diff company and the restriction was less than a airstone, you can use a lot less of a powerfull airpump,

GREAT VIDEO 👍😎

Nice information sir 😀😄

Interesting thxs!

Great compare.

9:00 I just ziptie the cracked piece, it works well

Love the info and breakdown beyond just A, B, C... you go from A through to Z. Question- would there be additional benefit to add bio-rings behind the filter sponge? In your experience, does the matterfilter slow down or speed up the cycling process at all? Thanks much

Where do you buy bulk filter mats/sponge so that you could cut your own matten filters?

I like the corner Matten, using one in each back corner would increase surface area and not block the view.

Thanks 🦐

I've been using foam filters for 40 years, but Matten filters are a newer concept to me. One thing I'm wondering about. With the greater surface area of the Mattens, how much increase in real filtration do you get assuming you are using the same air pump? The water flow per area would be less with the Mattens, right? I'm just wondering where the balance point is with flow rate and area. Basically, I'm showing that I am a science geek who overthinks everything. :) Great vid and Thanks!

great vid , but man thats 1 impressive well maintained beard very slick

big fan

A fair comparison. I would only add that with the Matten CORNER version, you have a much easier time camouflaging its presence and the sand problem is nearly eliminated. It probably gives you about 2/3rds the total bio available media area as the wall-to-wall version, so I feel it is a good compromise. Also worth mentioning is the jet=lifter air tubes (Swiss Tropicals or a DIY project at Greg Jones' site) that increase flow and do a good job of agitating the water surface. I'd say the round sponge filters are probably best suited for commercial operations, whereas the Mattens are better for display tanks with their increased filtering area and easier ability to camouflage their presence.

Another great video! How important do you feel the uplift tube is for the sponge filter? I realize it only stands to make the filter more efficient. However I have been running my 3 sponge filters with no lift tube for a while now with no issues what so ever. I did this due to concerns of fish getting stuck in the tube even though I know this generally shouldn't be an issue. Just a better safe than sorry approach on my part as I'm not home during the day to keep an eye on things. Two of my tanks are running only sponge filters. I have noticed in a lot of Cory's videos his sponge filters don't have lift tubes. Just wondering your opinion on the matter. Thanks in advance!

Nice

Would a matten polish the water if you put a bottle top with filter floss over the intake and ran the return line to the other side of the aquarium for circulation using a small pump I stead of air?

Great video. I was thinking of changing my HOB to a sponge/matten filter but I am not convinced it would remove all things that my different pads currently remove like ammo, nitrites/nitrates and so on. Sponge filters do look better than HOBs but are they as good?

I saw you at the fish swap meet today

Question, am i able to use normal gravel and put plants in it or do I have to use the stuff made for plants? I adk cuz i might be getting a 55 g and the special stuff us up there in price and im cheap

I would do sponge filters for smaller tanks and matten for big tanks

Prob already mentioned, as with sponge filter taking up space, visually obstructive and fish hiding in and around. Same can be said for the heater, which is not so easy to simply move or remove. Where as it can also be hidden behind the wall of filter, thusly out of tje way and not an issue. ALSO the mat filter (usually) covers the back of of the tank, lessening the need to paint pr other wise block the view through tje tank.

Sub’d - Gr8 Info Pros & Cons Both I like how you lay out all the info making it simple for all Level Fish Keepers ! keep it up Brethren #MuchRespect #FishFam

Sponge filter, at the store I work at the cichlids love pulling the airtube out of the sponge filter and taking chunks out of it

I’m new to the hobby, and I’ve never seen one. 🙏

what would you use for a 110 gal stock tank to keep it clean?? that's Oval shaped?

Although a mat filter has more surface area, does the less concentrated vacuum area filter any better from a mechanical standpoint?

WOW thanks ☯️🌱🐠💞💖😊😇

I have a cheap DIYed matten filter in the corner of my shrimp tank and the water is way cleaner than my main tank with an expensive Oase canister and media. So much so I'm considering putting one in the corner of my main tank as well and selling the canister. Another thing with the matten is most of the dead plant matter gets stuck to it and eaten by shrimp and snails, so it's kind of self cleaning. You can't do that with a canister, it just sits inside and rots which produces phosphates and feeds algae. That is a huge benefit which needs to be considered over just the size of the sponge.

How do you clean the matten filters? I just bought them and have substrate already in the tanks.

Japanese filter Mat and Matala is the best. Especially since they are made for koi ponds

How do you feel about sumps? I'm setting up a 90gal. and by fall a 150 or bigger. I never had a sump so it's between that and two canisters.(One mechanical and one biological). Any thoughts?

I did a filtration like this one here. How long I leave them there before I do cleaning of the filter. I got shrimp too it’s 3 ft tank.

Need some multis!

Where can you get big chunks of filter foam like this?

Should the return of the matten filter be fully submerged or half and half?

How about putting the matten filter in a rear corner? Could this work?

I have 85 gallons reef tank with 2 hang on the back filters at each side.do you think could be useful to help grow good bacteria just to put on each side one of this black foam panels but without the air pump? Just want to help get the ammonia down. Thanks

at 5:12 what's the small leaved short plant on the right?

Just how critical is the type of material used for a Matten Filter? I see Swiss Tropicals sells the German-made sponge, but is it actually worth the price? It is quite expensive. Thanks. Love your videos.

Hi Jason, can you make a video on everything about air flow for sponge filters? I have some questions about them, but I found that these info rarely brought up in the internet. 1. When using sponge filters, do the air flow has to be at least 4x the volume of my tank per hour? Or is it doesn't matter that much? 2. Where should sponge filters be placed to be working effectively? Corner vs center of the tank. 3. Will the aeration reduce if I place my air stone/sponge filter in the corner of the tank? 4. Will I compromise the air pump if I place the pump low on the floor? (Using check-valve) Thanks a lot!

Can I use mattern filter in graveled tank

What size sponge filter do I need for a 55gal

👍 👍 👍

The Beard!!!

Can i use the sponge one for my 10gal? Its cheaper for me to do.

I am new to keeping fish, i got a 15 gallon cube planted tank, already looking at a larger tank

Aquarium co-op sponge filters are the best in the game, with a ziss never clog airstone your rant is set for life.

how often do you rinse a cherry shrimp matten ?

You mentioned cleaning but not how often you clean the mattens what is your routine?

Where can I buy the matten filler from?

Where do we buy the Matten material?

When you clean the Matten filter aren’t you getting Rid of the beneficial bacteria or how does that work ?

Matten filter on a 55 gallon tank for a turtle? Recommendations?

What stops shrimp from crawling up and over it?

Interesting, could an aquarist safely place the heater in the space behind the matten filter to hide it? Thanks again, Jim

Alright

Or you could cut a spare piece of foam and put it in. If thank is visible 3 sides at 2 small pieces.

Never saw a matten filter at a lfs

I enjoy your informative content. But... I think you need to show more footage of your examples.

Never understood the idea that more surface area is better. There must be a cap on surface area to where more beneficial bacteria isnt really going to help your ammonia conversion. For example many 10 gallons do perfect with a single sponge filter. If u then added a second (and therefore double your surface area) are your parameters actually better and fish healthier? I would argue just one was fine in the first place and second is overkill.

The matten filter are much better I tried Robs matten filters but there's is only good for shrimp and small fish there ppi are to small and clogs up to fast I asked them if they had larger ppi sizes they said no so I tossed there's in a box and ordered from Swiss tropicals they have different ppi size and lots of colors I liked Robs uplift to and how good the foam was cut but there's is made for tiny shrimp or fish

Doesn't beneficial bacteria grow on most surfaces?

What is your website? Do you ship fish?

Ive been running a corner mattenfilter from swisstropicals for a few years now. and although its a lot of surface area it being so much of a pain to clean means it rarely gets done. and when you do clean it a lot of the detritus falls back into the tank as you are trying to get it out or get it into a bag to trap as much of the detritus as you can. it does not look bad especially with java moss and anubias growing on it. the jetlift with a sweeping elbow works really well and provides a decent amount of directional flow. ive had fun growing plants on top of it to. ive got ferns and terrestrial moss there now. but keeping my tank open top has led to a lot of evaporation and i always have bugs in the moss and on my ferns. its not great mechanical and hard to clean. im going to replace it with either two of the Tower Block Filters or better box filters from them. or maybe one of each. with the box filter i can slap some poly-fil on top and have some decent fine mechanical that is easy to replace. and the 4X4X8 tower block filter will still give me a lot of biological surface area and be easy to clean. i dont regret the matten corner filter. it was fun planting it. but its really only good for biological and not great at that on account of being hard to clean and all the crap falling back into the tank.

Seems like a lot of aquarists who are used to cleaning filters have taken the matten filter, and altered it to fit their own sensibilities around aquarium keeping. A mattan filter was NOT meant to be a water polishing sponge filter. It is purely a biological filter that is not meant to be cleaned anymore than you should clean your gravel in an undergravel (ug) filter system. Its purpose is to mimic the sediment in the marginal zone of a water way similar to a deep substrate system with or without a ug unit. These small pore sized smooth filters are not HMFs even if they are marketed as such. If it's getting plugged up so that you have to take it out and clean it, even once a year, it's not an HMF.

Choosing filter is one of the things I spend most time on trying to figure out for my first tank. I wouldn't mind a perfectly reliable and quiet canister filter for aesthetic reasons, but they don't really exist. A Matten filter + inaudible power head is almost hassle free at the fraction of the cost, and so I haven't really seen a better solution. I think I can live with a black corner in my tank, even when trying to do a little aquascaping.

Thickness also counts, right?

Third

Do like this video but ain't sold on the Matten Filter.......the sponge filter (as shown) seems far more preferable to me. Filtration surface area is not everything......as portrayed in this video. For instance, if your tank is mature (set up/been running 4+ months) then filter surface area is of less importance.......coz your whole tank will be acting as a biological filter anyway. The sponge filter is easier to maintain too compared to the matten filter.

Who cares that you can see a sponge filter? I don’t think many people would care if they have a lot of fish tanks and like you said, if they don’t like the look you can hide it well

Ho won?