DIY Sponge Filters

[djmatthewblack]

The sponge I used gave off I soapy discharge when wet.  I thought it was soap at first but someone informed me that it was just lanolins used to keep the synthetic sponge soft.  I hooked up the filter in a bucket of water to try to cycle out some of the lanolins.  I don't think it will hurt the fish, but it has put a thick layer of foam ontop of the bucket, that disappears when you turn off the air.  Is there any good way to get rid of the lanolins, should I not worry about it?

[Brownsnoutuk]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

Just hold it under a running tap and keep squeezing and releasing until it runs clear. It only takes about 30 seconds and it'll be good.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

run it in the washing machine without soap or bleach.

[wvgdiscus]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

Or you could boil it for a while.

[mrairportjunke]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

maybe a dumb question.  but i see and read that everyone uses a sponge filter in there fry tank.   well help me out.  i have never seen a sponge filter i guess.  how does it work?  whats a full setup like, is it an airstone or what?  i have a 1.5 gallon hex tank that im usin for some baby fry right now and i dont have anything in there but water changes.  i just put them in there but need something.  i have a fluval sponge filter submersible thing but it is so strong for that little tank it will suck them in.  any suggestions???

[Spot86t]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

the link below shows some photos of them.  stick an airstone or just an airline down in the tube and it forces water in through the sponge and up and out the top of the tube.  They're great little gizmos - I run them in nearly all my tanks

sponge filters

[CichlidFan]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

I use these, and I like them, I like to use them in conjuntion with poweheads as well. They do a great job clearing up a tank after you mix up the aquascaping or add sand or something.

CF

[Spot86t]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

I don't use the ones pictured, I make my own.  

You're right CF - they're awesoem for cleaning a strirred up muddied/clouded tank!

[CichlidFan]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

There is another style of sponge filter, that I myself use, I get them from 249 Fish N Pets for 11.00. It comes with a nice weighted bottom pedistal, and a 4 inch plastic tube of about 3/4 diameter, just about right to fit most power heads.

Check out this link for more details on DIY Sponge Filters:

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_spongefilter.php

CF

[PhishPhreek]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

I prefer the AZOO filters for small tanks

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/4919

[mrairportjunke]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

thanks.  guys.  i was dumb on those.  so all i need really is a sponge, tube, and an airstone.  it works as the same principle as the undergravel systems that has the tubes with airstones on both ends.   thanks

[szidlon]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

Just make sure your sponge is not loaded with chemicals and such.  There are a lot of sponges now that have additives to prevent bacterial growth.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

Yeah 249 has some really nice looking ones and good sized for cheap

[Fire_chair]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

A Dremel with a cutting wheel helps to shape and shave the sponges.

[szidlon]

Re: DIY Sponge Filters

If you're going to use them in fry tanks be aware of the pore size as well.