Hey all!
I was recently studying sponges in my biology class and was wondering since they filter out bacteria and organic particles to eat, why not put some freshwater ones in a tank? It would be like a natural filter. I know people with saltwater aquariums sometimes have sponges in their tanks, so why not for freshwater? Has anyone done this? Is this even possible? If it is possible, would it work for GF? Where would you find live freshwater sponges, anyway?

I know theres a type of freshwater sponge in Michigan but I know nothing about it

i didnt even know that there were fresh water sponges, but if you do find out i would be very interested to knoe about it

I don't know about freshwater sponges but you could try a mangrove plant,you usualy find them in saltwater sumps but they are a freashwater plant,I've read that they take out phosphates,and nitrates i think t is and release oxygen in the water.It is said to use 1 plant per 10 gallons of water hmmmm imust try this myself.I'll go get 3 for my 30gallon goldfish tank convert the plant back to freshwater and see if it helps and let yall know what happens

ok i'll take some of that stuff back they remaove nitrogen not nitrates.i found site that explains it a little better http://www.mangrovemania.com/

There are freshwater sponges aplenty in Lake Baikal and Lake Tanganyika. They wouldn't be suitable for aquaria though. Ponds? maybe....