How To Tell Size For Sponge Filters?

[TheeMon]

is there a fomula or a way of telling how much a sponge filter filters? ie inches(of sponge) x gallons?

 

[rdd1952]

The general rule of thumb is that filter should process the tank water at least 5 times per hour. I'm not certain if that is what you are asking though.

 

[TheeMon]

no thats not what i ment

 

[backtotropical]

No. The size of the sponge is not related to how much filtration goes on. The flow rate of the water is what you need to concern yourself with.

Water flowing at 10gph through a sponge 2"x2" will give the same filtration as 10gph through a sponge 5"x5".

The only difference is that the small sponge would need cleaned more often.

Hope this helps.

 

[Tolak]

A properly operating air driven sponge filter is mainly a biological filter. I find that one to two cubic inches of sponge per gallon works good, this of course depends on your bio load. I run home made sponges that are 4" cubes, one in an overstocked 29 gallon takes care of the bio filtration fine.

 

[jayjay]

No. The size of the sponge is not related to how much filtration goes on. The flow rate of the water is what you need to concern yourself with.

Water flowing at 10gph through a sponge 2"x2" will give the same filtration as 10gph through a sponge 5"x5".

The only difference is that the small sponge would need cleaned more often.

Hope this helps.

Flow matters little when it comes to biological filtration. The area for bacteria is what is important. 10gph through a 5"x5" sponge would be better than 10gph through a 2"x2" as there is more surface area for bacteria on the larger cube.

 

[DevUK]

Does it matter so much about the power of the air pump you use? I'd assume it would to a certain degree?

 

[jayjay]

A stronger air pump would lead to more water through the sponge so yes, it would help having a stronger air pump.

 

[TheeMon]

A properly operating air driven sponge filter is mainly a biological filter. I find that one to two cubic inches of sponge per gallon works good, this of course depends on your bio load. I run home made sponges that are 4" cubes, one in an overstocked 29 gallon takes care of the bio filtration fine.

exactly what im looking for... i want to make diy sponges and was wondering just this