Sponge filter in shrimp tank maintenance

[starsman20]

Is there any way to chase the shrimp out of a sponge filter before maintenance? Moving it a bit gets the big ones off but the shrimplets just burrow into the sponge deeper it seems.

[Fish Folk]

2 hours ago, starsman20 said:

Is there any way to chase the shrimp out of a sponge filter before maintenance? Moving it a bit gets the big ones off but the shrimplets just burrow into the sponge deeper it seems.

Is the sponge “coarse” grade — allowing for easier burrowing? We use finer grade sponges in shrimp tanks. 

[starsman20]

Its is the standard coop sponge filters.  They are fairly coarse. 

[Streetwise]

I switched over to Co-Op sponge filters for my tanks, tubs, and buckets about nine months ago, and I haven’t cleaned them yet. How often do most people do that?

I love seeing shrimp enjoy grazing on them.