ripple
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I've not had much luck finding sponge filters locally that don't cost an arm and a leg. So, after looking at tons of DIY sponges online I decided to try my own. Below is a pic of most of the items you will need accompanied by a checklist. Click on pictures for larger images.
two 1/4" barb connectors (pack of 25 for aprox. $5.00 @ Home Depot)
4" long piece of 3/8" pvc (also found at Home Depot for aprox. $2.00 for 8' piece)
Various size bits and drill
Sponge (purchased at Petco for aprox. $1.50)
Suction cups (also from Petsmart come in pack of two for $2.50)
Small hand saw
pliers
1/4" fish tank tubing
pump
Before you start, lightly wet your sponge and freeze it until your ready to drill it.
Using your hand saw cut a 4" length of pvc tube and set aside. I plan to use these for fry tank so I made them short. You can lengthen them according to your desired height.
You will also need to modify the barb fittings by sawing the tappered part off one end on both pieces since they're a little to long to fit inside the 3/8" pvc tube. You may find a better suited fitting at your local hardware store but this is all I could find at mine that would work. Below is a picture (one on the right) of the fitting after modification.
Next you want to drill several small wholes all the way around one end of your pvc tube. I kept them all within 1" from the bottom.
Now you want to drill two larger holes that will allow the modified barb fittings to fit snugly. I drilled one hole aprox. 2" from the bottom (just above multiple small holes) for the air source and one aprox. 3.5" from the bottom for the sucttion cup. Had I not had a brain fart (again) I would have arranged the hole for the air to come in from the other side so the tubing had better placment but it works.
Now using a pair of pliers set your barb fittings in place. Once finished should look something like this.
Now it's time to drill your sponge. Make sure to have everything ready so your sponge dosen't defrost. I used a bit smaller in diameter than the pvc tube to insure a snug fit. Stand your sponge up long way and drill a little over half way the length of the sponge.
Now your ready to assemble. Insert the end of your pvc with the little holes down into the sponge. Attach suction cup to top fitting and connect air to the bottom. Plug in and go.
Below is an action shot of the first one I made. As you can see I didn't think to much when it came to deciding the point of entrance for my air and the line is slightly pinched.
I know there are tons of DIY on this subject but I thought I'd share my version anyho. Hope it's of some help to someone.
two 1/4" barb connectors (pack of 25 for aprox. $5.00 @ Home Depot)
4" long piece of 3/8" pvc (also found at Home Depot for aprox. $2.00 for 8' piece)
Various size bits and drill
Sponge (purchased at Petco for aprox. $1.50)
Suction cups (also from Petsmart come in pack of two for $2.50)
Small hand saw
pliers
1/4" fish tank tubing
pump
Before you start, lightly wet your sponge and freeze it until your ready to drill it.
Using your hand saw cut a 4" length of pvc tube and set aside. I plan to use these for fry tank so I made them short. You can lengthen them according to your desired height.
You will also need to modify the barb fittings by sawing the tappered part off one end on both pieces since they're a little to long to fit inside the 3/8" pvc tube. You may find a better suited fitting at your local hardware store but this is all I could find at mine that would work. Below is a picture (one on the right) of the fitting after modification.
Next you want to drill several small wholes all the way around one end of your pvc tube. I kept them all within 1" from the bottom.
Now you want to drill two larger holes that will allow the modified barb fittings to fit snugly. I drilled one hole aprox. 2" from the bottom (just above multiple small holes) for the air source and one aprox. 3.5" from the bottom for the sucttion cup. Had I not had a brain fart (again) I would have arranged the hole for the air to come in from the other side so the tubing had better placment but it works.
Now using a pair of pliers set your barb fittings in place. Once finished should look something like this.
Now it's time to drill your sponge. Make sure to have everything ready so your sponge dosen't defrost. I used a bit smaller in diameter than the pvc tube to insure a snug fit. Stand your sponge up long way and drill a little over half way the length of the sponge.
Now your ready to assemble. Insert the end of your pvc with the little holes down into the sponge. Attach suction cup to top fitting and connect air to the bottom. Plug in and go.
Below is an action shot of the first one I made. As you can see I didn't think to much when it came to deciding the point of entrance for my air and the line is slightly pinched.
I know there are tons of DIY on this subject but I thought I'd share my version anyho. Hope it's of some help to someone.
