Something every one should have

[jimbob]

Washing machine for sponge filters.

[danielratti]

Wouldn't that kill all of your good bacteria that is left in the sponges though? Or are you running multiple sponges and just rotating the sponges for cleaning so one can reseed before you wash the other?

[Marty]

I have one.  He's 7 years old and his name is Logan!  I've actually heard of people using their dishwashers to clean their sponges, but it seemed to tear them up pretty quick.

I actually just run mine under water in the laundry tub and squeeze them out repeatedly for about a minute (until I don't see dirty water when I squeeze them). 

And to answer Daniel's question, yes either Jim's method or mine will destroy all of the bacteria.  I use multiple sponges/filters in most of my tanks, so I just clean one at a time.

[danielratti]

I was going to say I run 2-3 in a tank so I can destroy all the bacteria I want if your just running one Id be a little skeptical on this approach. If a sponge is really bad I will even bleach it just to clean it up good. Not something I would tell anyone to do unless you are very very anal about cleaning sponges.

[jimbob]

I have well water so I just wash them with cold water. I can fit up to 20 #3 hydro sponges at a time and have never had a problem with doing it this way. It isn't going to clean them so good they are completely bateria free. Works for me.

[Ron]

Interesting approach to cleaning them.

I have multiple per tank, so originally I was trying to pick one per tank to clean while doing water changes, but found it rather in convenient. Recently I bought a bunch of replacement Hydro V sponges and am now rotating in 1 clean sponge per tank, tossing the dirty ones in a bucket, and rising them out similar to Marty. It's much easier to just wash them out under a tap instead of using tank water in a bucket, constantly tossing dirty water and refilling with clean 2-3 times per sponge.

[GrizzlysDad]

I love seeing the multitude of options people use in this hobby....very neat idea Jim.