I have always filtered my tanks with power filters – canisters, internals, or HOBs. They have all worked great. But I am considering switching exclusively to air driven sponge filters. Why?
Rethinking my filtration
anthropogenic noise
Anthropogenic noise and cichlids
If you have followed the blog for some time, you have probably seen my posts about anthropogenic noise and fish. Specifically, I have an interest in both the short-term and long-term effects of noise generated by filters, pumps, etc.
Anthropogenic noise and fish development
As I have pointed out a few times here on the blog, I am not a fan of unnecessary noise inside (e.g., air stones, sponge filters) or outside tanks. Back in 2020, I posted about a study on the effects of anthropogenic noise on cichlids, specifically Astatotilapia burtoni.
Effects of aquarium anthropogenic noise on Astatotilapia burtoni
If you’ve followed the blog for a while, you’re probably aware of my disdain for extraneous, anthropogenic (man made) noises in aquariums. Such noises occur in the natural environments (boat motors, industrial machinery) of many cichlids. Eliminating such noises is unrealistic. Reducing them is not. I used to have a sister blog called The Bio Stage (it’s coming back, btw). In that blog, I often wrote about the effects of anthropogenic noise on cetaceans (e.g., dolphins and whales).