Sponge Filter Lift Tube Extensions

High Performance Sponge Filters such as the Hydro Sponge (or Hydro Pond #2) can have improved circulation patterns in deep aquariums with the use of "Hydro Lifts".
A Hydro Lift extends the flow pattern in deeper tanks (generally over 16 inches) by extending the water outflow higher in the aquarium (as close to the surface as possible for maximum results).
It is noteworthy that this is not always necessary in all aquariums such as aquarium with other filters that provide good upper circulation or where the aquarium keeper desires less circulation in the upper aquarium.

However in most aquarium applications this is desirable, especially where the Sponge Filter is the sole or primary filter for the aquarium. Of which despite popular anecdotal (but incorrect) assumptions, a sponge filter can actually exceed many other filters including HOB Power Filters and even many Canister filters for aerobic bio filtration. The key is the correct size Sponge filter and the quality of the sponge material; both of these attributes are generally missing with sponge filters used where incorrect assumptions were made (extensive controlled tests dating back to the 1990s have proven this).
(Please click on the picture to the left to enlarge for a better view)

The addition of a Hydro Lift (or similar 1 inch tube) can be used with either air pump driven or power head (water pump) driven sponge filter applications. These lifts can also be easily cut to exact heights with a hack saw.

Hydro Lift Extensions can also be used with multiple "Stackable" Sponge Filters such as the Hydro Sponge #5 Stackable, this can be useful for large deep tanks where multiple tiers of Sponges are added to keep up with high or increasing bio loads.

Aquarium Sump, Central System Filter

Another use for larger reticulated sponge filters such as the Hydro Pond #4 is as a primary sump filter.
The large double reticulated high volume water flow sponges provide for copious amount of surface area for bio filtration.
This high flow design of the reticulated Hydro Pond Sponges provides more surface area and much less channeling of water than bio balls can in the same amount of space (water channeling is the major problem of bio balls, sand, ceramic media and even bio stars, which results in areas of little or no water contact).

The Hydro Pond 4 can easily handle an aquarium up to 250 gallons or central aquarium system of similar gallons. The amount of water volume can increase with multiple filters or the addition of Sponges for the use of diffusion of water into the sump. A Hydro Pond 4 can be used for the water diffusion or the smaller more simple Filter Max #3 can be employed for this use as well (some square sponges such as those for the larger Aqua Clear Filter can be used in a diffusion chamber as one more alternative).

Probably the simple way to build this sump is to use a Filter Max #3 or Hydro Pond 4 attached to PVC pipe that pours (diffuses) water into the sump. These diffusion sponges will act as a wet dry filter.

Step two would be to add a Hydro Pond 4 to the pick up pump such as the Via Aqua 2600 in the top picture to return the water to the aquarium (a Rio 20 HF Pump would work even better).
With two Hydro Pond 4 Filters (one for pick up & one for diffusion) your capacity would be up to 500 gallons. With one Hydro Pond 4 Filter and one Filter Max 3 or large Square Aqua Clear 110 Sponge your combined sump capacity would be about 300-350 gallons.

Finally, for readers scratching their heads wondering why they have not read or heard of this type of simple aquarium sump set up, the answer is simple; Many aquarium professionals have employed this method for years, however since the cost is very low (the purchase of a pump, 10 gallon aquarium, and a few Sponge Filters/sponges), most aquarium supply sellers would rather sell you their elaborate sumps of similar size and then charge over $350 (often without the pump too) for a set up that is likely of lower actual bio capacity than the above sump suggestion that would cost the DIY builder well under $125 (including the pump and a 10 gallon aquarium that can be cheaply purchased at Walmart, PetCo or better your local specialty aquarium store).
The choice is yours!!

With the addition of a good UV Sterilizer placed in-line for your Return such as the Terminator 36 watt or TMC 25 Watt, you will have a sump or central aquarium system that is second to none (make sure to change your UV Bulbs in your Sterilizer every six months for optimum performance)!

Sponge Filter Uses; UV & Power Failure

Other Sponge Filter Uses; Connected UV Sterilizer & Power Failure Back up Filter

This post will show a couple of other uses for an Aquarium Sponge Filter.

(1)The use of an aquarium sponge filter connected to either a non stop air pump or to an automatic battery air pump is a simple way to insure your fish survive a power failure longer than 4 hours. The picture to the left shows a Hydro sponge #1 connected to an automatic Million Air 'D' cell battery pump. With this method the pump turns 'ON' when power is cut, thus running this filter, however with this method, best results are achieved by having a second sponge filter already running in the aquarium (so as to be "seeded" biologically) that can be reconnected to the battery pump.
If one uses a non stop air pump, the air pump runs continuously on either AC or its rechargeable battery. The downside here is the air pump costs considerably more.

Please see this article for more about Aquarium Power Failures: Dealing with Aquarium Power Failures

(2) Another unique idea is to run a UV Sterilizer with your sponge filter being used as a pre-filter for more UV Sterilizer efficiency (make sure that your UV Sterilizer has its UV Bulb/ Lamp changed every six months for peak efficiency as well).
The use of a UV Sterilizer can aid in the prevention of many diseases (especially water borne bacteria), as well as improving Redox for general fish health.

Please see this article for more about this concept for the use of UV Sterilizers with a sponge filter (& other ideas):
Aquarium UV Sterilizer Combinations

DIY CO2 Reactor, Diffuser; Using Sponge Pre-Filter & Pump

Updated 10-20-11

Another use for a Sponge Filter, whether a standard Sponge Filters or a Sponge Pre-Filter (such as the Filter Max #2 pictured here) is as a diffuser/reactor for CO2 systems.

This DIY CO2 Reactor/diffuser works better than just about any other according to my friends in the industry who are expert planted aquarium maintenance pros. It is similar to the gravel vacuum with a sponge plug method popularized in a planted aquarium forum in that this method utilizes a top-notch sponge filter material for better CO2 absorption then slow dispersion. As well the Filter Max Sponge Filters have a secure cap that does not blow off under pressure from the water pump, unlike the other method.

This method is an excellent choice for use with the simple Jungle Fizz Tabs CO2 system as well as Gelatin, DIY Yeast, and even professional regulated CO2 canisters

(1) As per the picture to the left, connect a relatively slow pump such as the Rio 200 Pump (138gph) to what would normally be the pump pick up, but in this case, the flow is directed downward so as to trap the CO2.
(2) Then drill a small hole so as to add an air line control valve (such as found in the Lees Valve Set #14104)which then goes to the source of the CO2.
From this valve run airline tubing to your CO2 source.

Use the valve to regulate CO2, but the water pump at least in part keeps the CO2 contained until it is absorbed through the sponge material.

(3) Add an in-line air check valve as close to valve as possible to prevent water back up into the airline tubing once the CO2 is exhausted. I often find that it is best to still "blow out" the airline (by mouth) prior to adding to fresh CO2 each day.

And simple, you're done!

In controlled tests using s Sponge Filter as compared to a Ceramic air stone or standard reactor/diffusion bell, the Sponge Filter achieved much higher dissolved CO2 levels when calculated with KH and pH tests

The use of a homemade pressurized bottle can be used for Jungle Fizz Tabs or DIY yeast CO2 generators.

*For further planted freshwater aquarium information:
Aquarium Plants; General Care, Beginner to Advanced

*Another tip to secure filter intakes, tubing, etc. are the ZooMed Mag Clips. Although their primary use has been for aquarium heaters, I have adapted these for lift tubes, air line and much more.

Sponge Pre-Filter Benefits

THE USE OF SPONGES FOR POWER (HOB) FILTER PRE-FILTERS; ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS:



The simplest way to perform sponge Pre-filtration is using a specifically designed Sponge Prefilter such as the Filter Max (pictured to the left)






However an aquarist can use a standard Aquarium Sponge Filter (such as the Hydro Sponge #2 shown in this picture) attached to the Aquarium Power Filter as shown in the picture to the left (please click the picture to enlarge for a better view).




Here are just a few of the Advantages/Benefits:

• Provides additional Bio Filtration, often vastly more than the bio capacity of most Aquarium Power Filters
• Allows for aquarium Power Filter media/cartridge changes/cleanings without the worry of loss of important nitrifying bio bacteria
• Prevents weak, sick, baby fish from being sucked into or stuck on the filter intake.
• Allows for much of the un-eaten fish food from being immediately removed from the water column during feeding. Fish can often “graze” on these food particles on the sponge that would otherwise be taken into the power filter (Mollies especially love to graze on these particles)
• Increases Bio capacity of the aquarium
• Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze in used tank water