[Mirkle]

should i keep the sponge in my overflow box?? it looks like this after one day..

[bigblue]

Yup, that's about what mine looks like, too. I cleaned it thoroughly each week with my water change, in the water I've drained out so I don't kill any good bacteria. It lasted about a year then needed replacing.

[bnhaus]

If you are dedicated to cleaning it every few days then yes you can keep it.

Most of us do not because:
1) we forget it's there and it builds up waste fast.
2) We do not clean it regularly
3) Can build up nitrate levels

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I think calling that thing a sponge is entirely the wrong term.It is actually filter fiber.Its purpose is exactly the same as a filter sock,its just doing its job on top of the tank where the water goes in instead of in the sump whre the water comes in from the drain.It removes the big chunks.I would continue to use it and rinse it out in a bowl of salt water every couple of days.Most lfs's sell the stuff by the foot so replaceing it is niether expensive or a problem.

[blu23girl]

Similar question, my Mag Drive pumps came with a similar sponge on the intake area, is that nessisary? or can i take it off?

[NATIVEVAMAN]

If you are using another method of keeping the chunks out of the sump like the filter pictured above or a filter sock you might get away without it if you have to.I dont see it causing a problem and it is for the pumps protection.