Air pump/sponge filter efficiency evaluation? Can I measure filtration capacity?

: : Please share with me your experience in evaluating if the sponge filter is : enough for the aquarium capacity.

I was told that sponge filters would not be enough filtration for my 160 litre tank. At present, I have a moderate fish load (13 fish at 1' - 3', and my ammonia and nitrites appear to be well under control.

However, I do have three double (interpet) sponge filters (6 sponges in total).

Cheers,

Difficult to say without knowing waht you are going to keep and whithout knowing the size of sponge filter. But inintal thoughts are no, you'd be best with an internal power filter such as a Fluval 2 or 3.

No. But you can measure flow rate. Filter capacity is a measure of either the volume of your filter or the surface area that bacteria can colonise. Flow rate, the through put of water through your filter, can be measured by holding a jug of known capacity under the outlet pipe timing how long it takes to fill up. Alternatively measure how much water comes out in one minute. Simple multiplication will then tell you gph etc.