Sponge Filter Resources; Canister & HOB Alternative

Sponge Filter Lift Tube Extensions

2011-12-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

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

2010-09-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-15T10:12:00.001-07:00

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

Sponge Filter Troubleshooting Picture

2010-01-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

SPONGE FILTER POOR FLOW TROUBLESHOOTING

Although mechanical filtration is not the main strength of a sponge filter, a Sponge Filter can still can remove copious amounts of debris form the water column when properly connected.
If not connected properly, you will see little if any mechanical filtration and even biological filtration will suffer as well.
This can be a problem with air pump applications, especially in small aquariums where the aquarium keeper unknowingly leaves off the lift tube to fit better in a small aquarium and then amplifies the problem by not extending the airline deeper into the sponge filter

The picture to above (Please click to enlarge) shows water flow through a sponge filter depending upon air diffuser, airline tubing, and lift tube placement.

As you can see a sponge filter on the left with no lift tube and with no extension of tubing (or air diffuser) has a poor flow through the sponge material (if any flow at all).
The reason is the air bubbles rising in column will create a vacuum, however if there no lift tube (or very little) no vacuum is produced and the water will simply flow upward with the current of water, mostly avoiding the sponge (which will have more resistance).

The point is to overcome the resistance of the sponge material with a stronger vacuum produced in the lift tube, as well a an extension of airline tubing into the sponge filter and/or the use of an air diffuser or air stone can extend this vacuum deeper into the sponge filter, thus providing a better flow.

ATI Sponge Filter

2009-07-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

About ATI Sponge Filters
Aquarium Technology, Inc. was founded in 1991 by Joseph C. Gargiulo. He, in 1991 lived in Atlanta, Georgia, were he still currently resides today. At the time the company was run and operated by Springfield Tool and Tie (known by most as Lustar) in Springfield, New Jersey.

From the time period of 1991 through 2005 ATI has sales numbers that were about the same every year. However, in late 2005 Lustar made an announcement that they were closing their doors, so Aquarium Technology, Inc had to figure out something to do.
There were two options. One of which being closing the company and the owner, Joseph Gargiulo, thought about closing the company as his time and efforts were already in so many other things. The other option was moving the company to Atlanta.
After 2-3 months of business conversations with Lustar and pondering the idea of having the company closer to him, Joseph made the decision of moving the company to Atlanta. In March of 2006 Aquarium Technology, Inc had begun its move south. It took over 2 ½ months to move the entire company. By late May 2006, ATI had reopened its doors for business in Atlanta.

After opening its doors in Atlanta, Aquarium Technology, Inc, had slowly begun to grow; taking in more orders and supplying Sponge Filters and other products. By the end of May 2007 the company had seen a near 6% increase in just that one year.

Hopefully over near future ATI will plan to release new product lines, update customers more, and become well known throughout the aquatic filtration market.

Sponge Filter Pictures

2009-06-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sponge Filter (Filtration) Pictures & Diagrams for Aquariums

*This post shows several different how-to aquarium (& pond) sponge filter applications via diagrams/pictures.

*This also includes Sponge Pre-filter applications as well.

Sponge Filter Diagrams

The first picture shows how the concept of an aquarium sponge filter connected to an air pump functions/works.

This second picture shows the basic flow pattern with different lift tube heights or pump configurations.

These next two pictures/diagrams show basic Sponge Filter set up methods.
First is an air pump set up and the second is how to convert a Via Aqua 480 Power Head (or similar) to connect with a Sponge Filter

Sponge Pre-Filter Diagrams/Pictures

This diagram/picture is a Via Aqua Vitalife M-200 Filter attached to Filter Max Pre-Filter

This picture shows a Filter Max Aquarium Prefilter connected to a Via Aqua 1300 pump (a Filter Max #3 is recommended, although the #2 can work as well).
This application works well for using your Pump to other filters such a converted pond filter.

Please see this article for MUCH more Sponge Filtration Information:
*Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and ponds

For sites to purchase Premium Hydro Sponge Products:
*ATI Hydro Sponge Filters

*ATI Filter Max Prefilters

*ATI Hydro Pond/Sump Filters

Inexpensive Pond Filtration

2007-09-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Inexpensive Biological and Mechanical Pond Filtration

QUESTION (from a client’s email):

What is a good source for additional bio-filtration for my pond?
I have a waterfall filter, and a veggie stream.
I still think my pond can be clearer and there is a lot of sediment floating in the pond.

ANSWER:

A Hydro-pond filter is an excellent source of bio-filtration for a small pond (under 500 gallons). It works a pre-filter for any pump intake and even as a stand alone filter.

Sponge filtration is one of the most under rated forms of filtration for ponds and aquariums alike. When used and properly cared for, a sponge filter colonizes aerobic bacteria for ammonia and nitrite removal, and they make excellent mechanical filters, trapping a lot of floating debris.

Care is simple; just remove the sponge and squeeze into used pond water to remove the waste. This retains the beneficial bacteria, while removing organic and other waste from clogging the pond or even before going thru the nitrogen cycle.

Some of the attributes of sponge filtration for ponds are:

• Maintains the biological filtration when main filter is changed or cleaned.

• Prevents debris such as dead fish and plant material from clogging the intake by distributing the suction evenly down the length of the sponge.

• Prevents small or baby fish from being suctioned into the main filter or water pump.

• Can be used as a temporary or permanent filter in ponds.

• Traps larger waste particles, mechanically cleaning the water.

• Can be used in vertical or horizontal position.

• Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze.

A simple application would be a Hydro pond filter attached to a Via Aqua 2600 (740 gph) or 1300 pump (370 gph), then additionally run to a UV sterilizer (optional), then back to the pond via a waterfall or other water feature. This is a simple and cost effective way to set up a pond filtration system. When combined with a veggie filter (water iris or other bog plants with a small current of water passing through the plant roots), you will have an excellent filter system for under $150 that can maintain a pond up to 1000 gallons (although the Hydro Pond Filters are rated this high, have found 500 gallons the upper limit I feel comfortable recommending these for).

For further Pond information, please read this VERY complete article about pond care: “A Clear Pond; Pond Information”

For further information about Aquarium Sponge Filtration, please read this article: “Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and ponds”

Sponge Filter Video

2007-07-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have a sponge filter installation video that shows basic installation to either an air pump or a power head:

It is also found here in my Sponge filtration article:
SPONGE FILTRATION

Sponge filters, myths and truths

2007-04-14T13:06:00.001-07:00

Aquarium and Pond Sponge Filtration myths and truths:

I have read several posts in forums and especially Yahoo answers about Sponge Filters. There is still a lot of misinformation about how a sponge works and is powered along with what they can and cannot do.

There are several models of sponge filters (and several brands, not all are even close to equal). There are sponge filters that work as pre filters for canister filters or HOB filters (where they substantially improve bio filtration during cartridge changes (not to mention they extend the life of filter cartridges allow less frequent changes). There are also sponge filters that work in ponds, aquarium sumps, or work as sponge filters for larger aquariums (the Hydro Pond ).

Where some of the misinformation comes in is how they are powered, many can be or are powered by pumps or power heads not just air pumps.

Another source of misinformation is their capacity as compared to other filters. You cannot compare a small cheap sponge filter model to an Aqua Clear 50 HOB filter. However a Hydro Sponge #5 powered by a proper air pump (such as a Fusion Air Pump) or a power head (such as a SunSun JP-23 or larger) will easily match the Aqua Clear 50 in bio capacity (or usually exceed it) and mechanical filtration (often chemical filtration is not necessary in a healthy established aquarium, I only use carbon in new aquariums or sometimes after treatment).
The Hydro Pond II or IV will easily exceed the Aqua Clear 110.
All these sponge filters cost much less besides!

And finally another source of misinformation is on comparing all sponge filters as the same. I have used many different models and they are not even close to bio capacity or even flow rate with the same pump (air or water) attached (I have “clocked” the fill rate in a measuring cup of different brand “seasoned” sponge filters and found definite variations). I will admit to trying different brands for cost assuming a sponge was a sponge, however I quickly noticed the difference and then switched to knock offs of Hydro Sponge until I found out about patent infringements. There is a reason that there are so many patent infringements on Hydro Sponge, they work!

Sponge filters for Fresh, Saltwater, & Ponds

2006-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

SPONGE FILTERS

Sponge filtration is an often overlooked type of filtration for freshwater and even marine aquariums. Many persons look past their simplicity as ineffective, but therein lies their quality. I have used them for my aquarium maintenance for 30 plus years with excellent results, including: Main Filter, secondary filter, pre-filter, hospital filter, and bowl or small tank filter (Sponge filters really excel here for bettas in that they are efficient bio and mechanical filters without the risk of fin damage to bettas).

Here then is a list of their basic attributes:

[1] Simple to use, most run on very basic air pumps or powerheads. One of the best beginner aquarist filters due simplicity and cost. But sponge filters are also popular with breeders and research facilities, as they are very efficient yet simple filters.

[2] Excellent biological filtration, they are very porous and can maintain very large aerobic bacterial colonies in proportion to the space they occupy.

[3] Mechanical filtration, although they are not the best mechanical filters, they still do a good job for their small size and make excellent secondary or primary filters when used in combination with other filters such as HOB, canister, or internal filters.

[4] Very few “dead” areas trapping pockets of noxious bacteria, unlike under gravel filters and even wet/dry filters (which in my experience are over rated).

[5] Simple to clean, simply remove the sponge and squeeze or rinse in old aquarium water or de-chlorinated tap water. The advantage here is the aquarist is less likely to ignore cleaning the filter (unlike many complex filters), which can lead to organic build up, increasing nitrates and lowering KH and ph.

[6] Sponge filters are great in marine aquariums in a couple of different ways; one way is in a sump (sometimes sideways) with a small power head pump (such as a Via Aqua 480); the other (usually in a reef application) was inside the aquarium with either an air pump or power head. The beauty of either application is they are simple to rinse out with used aquarium water, which in the reef application was especially useful in that I could dispose of allot of debris before it cycled and produced Nitrates. They are an excellent compliment to “live rock” filtered reef aquariums.

[7] Probably the best choice of filtration for breeding tanks, hospital tanks, and even discus aquariums, due to the fact that they do not “suck” in baby or weak fish or attract noxious bacteria.

[8] For cichlid breeding they excel, as they are not easily disturbed by cichlids tendency to dig.

[9] Inexpensive

[10] Now available in larger sizes for aquariums over 60 gallons.

[11] Sponge filters can even be used in ponds. With the "Hydro Pond Filter", simply attach a power head pump (such as a Via Aqua 2600), then run your return line wherever you like (waterfall, etc.). Or the Hydro Pond II can be run off a simple air pump. These filters can work on ponds up to 1500 gallons (or more with additional units).
These Hydro Pond filters also work VERY well in large aquariums especially as a pre-filter (#4) for pump in an aquarium sump for wet/dry or Berlin Method Marine filtration.

[12] There also are sponge filters that are used as a "Pre-Filter" for intakes of canister, wet/dry, power filters and more. They offer increased bio-filtration to your existing system, as well as protection from baby fish, plants, or anemones from being sucked into the intake of your existing filter.
These pre-filter sponges are especially useful for HOB (power filters) as they increase the bio capacity (far more than bio wheels in experiments I have done) and retain the aerobic bio filtering bacteria during filter media changes. With out these Sponge pre-filters, HOB filters are poor to fair bio filters, with them they are excellent.

[13] Sponge filters are great for planted aquariums, they do not interfere with root structures and maintain a biological balance that ideal for planted aquariums.

[14] EXCELLENT for use in marine aquariums, especially when the Berlin Filter method is applied. I have used these as a pre-filter for the return pump for a Mud filter, in a sump, or as just an additional bio/mechanical filter inside a Nano Reef. The advantage of these in marine applications is they trap debris and organic mulm which is VERY easily rinsed out unlike a more difficult canister filter or even bio balls, thus reducing the “nitrate factory” aspects of many other mechanical/bio filters in marine aquaria.

[15] Sponge filters or internal filters with sponges are very efficient for powering UV Sterilizers and Fluidized Bed filters (an under rated but excellent filter on its own).

Here are a few myths about Sponge filters:

* Bio Wheels and Wet Dry filters are superior to sponge filters.- MYTH
In theory the added oxygen or bio wheels and wet dry filters is great, but in practicality the channeling of wet dry filters and the deposit build up of Bio Wheels lowers bacteria surface area, while the fact remains that with the proper dissolved oxygen levels your fish should have is more than adequate for a healthy sponge filter to maintain proper bio colonies. Compare a Wet Dry filter to a tank with live rock and other means of mechanical filtration, and you will find the live rock superior even though it is under water.

* All sponge filters are the same and only for small aquariums. –MYTH
The flow design, sponge media material, and sponge size all are important. A large sponge filter with sponge media of a high and proper sized pore count is and extremely efficient filter. Compare the sponge design of the patented Hydro Sponge to a cheaper Lees or Tetra sponge and it is obvious, as these cheaper sponges clog faster and do not have the pore density of Hydro Sponge filters.

FOR EVEN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPONGE FILTRATION, please visit this site:
SPONGE FILTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS

OTHER INTERESTING LINKS

A GREAT PLACE FOR QUALITY ATI HYDRO SPONGE FILTERS, Prices starting at $4.99!

The importance of aquarium water qualityBasic information about freshwater or marine water quality maintenance