How should I use sponge filters in my tank?

[CatPrince]

Going to get a 40 breeder going soon, and while I know I want to use a sponge filter (I plan on getting co op equipment for what they have), I don’t really know how. What size? One or two? I want at least one powerhead, but if I have two should I have a powerhead on both?

I plan on doing a botanical method with the leaf litter and everything, so I figure I’ll need to set them on top of a rock to keep the mulch from clinging to it. I’m mostly getting these filters to move water since the tank itself will be a biofilter. I’m going to have a lot of plants and hardscape so any flow will get broken up. I don’t want turbulence, but I definitely want some movement!

Thanks for reading!

[FLFishChik]

The ACO large filter is for 40 gallons and up, the Medium for 20 and up. If your not really using it for filtration, just water movement, would two of the medium filters (one near each end) be sufficient movement? Or would one large placed near the center?

[AllFishNoBrakes]

I have all sizes of the ACO sponges and all my larges I wish were mediums. For me personally, I would do a medium on each side without power heads. Or, a medium on one side and a HOB on the other is more my style 

[CatPrince]

I don’t want a HOB because I plan on getting snails and shrimp and I want to minimize potential breakouts.

[AllFishNoBrakes]

Then I would use 2 sponge filters. Like I said, a sponge on one side and HOB on the other is my personal preference. 

[Levi_Aquatics]

I would definitely go for 2 mediums. They are a great and manageable size. You could do a powerhead on one or both.