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Filtration - Sponge FilterAt the cheap end of the spectrum, sponge filters provide excellent and efficient form of biological and mechanical filtration. There are a number of types available and generally at low (< $10) cost. Most are relatively simple uplift connected to one or two sponges and are powered by air displacement of water in the uplift tube via an air pump (for which I recommend Schego brand). One of the currently available types features an
upright uplift tube with the sponge inline and a heavy weight at
the base to allow it to stand on the tank floor. My preferred
style of sponge filter is those filters where a single uplift
runs one or two sponges (the latter is preferable) either
perpendicular to the uplift tube, or parallel (connected via a
"U" piece). Such systems are normally attached to the wall of
the tank via suction cups. The two-sponge models are, in my
opinion, particularly useful as one sponge (alternating sponges
every month) can be cleaned harshly (under running water)
without causing problems with the biological filtration.
Sponge filters also have an advantage over corner style filtration as, if used in tanks with small fish or fry, the occupants can feed directly off the filter. This is particularly useful when finely powdered foods are being served. Mechanically, the sponge filter is probably inferior to the corner filter, that has a greater capacity to trap coarse particulate waste. Like corner filters, sponge filters can be used in any sized aquarium, however, multiple sponge filters (or sponge filters driven by power heads) may be required in larger aquaria. The sponge used to make sponge filters is difficult to source in Australia - and commonly bought sponge for DIY versions tends to be of a fine grain and less useful. Assuming the correct type of sponge (coarse grained) can be obtained sponge filters can be easily manufactured from a simple PVC uplift (use electrical conduit), attached to an "L" elbow joint to which a further piece of PVC (with holes drilled in, and one end blocked) is attached. In order to drill the right sized hole in the sponge to insert the PVC emerse the sponge in a container with enough water to completely cover it. Freeze it and use a hole cutter to cut through the sponge and ice simultaneously. Caution is advised when using the drill around water (albeit frozen). |
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