Sponge filter

[OohFeeshy]

I know there's other threads about sponge filters for fry tanks, but I'm a complete dumbo when it comes to DIY. I've grasped the making of a CO" system, but never mind. Anyway. I need an idiots guide to making a sponge filter, and if it helps, a basic principal of how they work (I'v never seen one in the shops before ).

So please help a poor dumb (previously) blonde teen!

 

[jimw13uk]

Read this article - thsi explains how to make a simple one and should be quite straight forward

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

to buy one - www.atlantisaquatics.co.uk/ acatalog/_Huey_Hung_Medications.html

 

[OohFeeshy]

Hmm... kinda get it. I'm still not sure ( ). I'll google it, but if anyone else can help, I'd be much obliged.

 

[BettasRFriends]

I remember there was this one post i saw about this really cheap diy sponge filter. Here's a PICTURE of it using a pump, airline, filter material, and the whole deal.
http/img174.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img174&ima...12filter0ar.jpg

 

[OohFeeshy]

That uses a powerhead doesn't it? Its easier to use one of them, but have no idea where to get one from...

 

[BettasRFriends]

I think that's a pump but I'm not quite sure.

 

[jimw13uk]

You dont need apowerhead - I have two foam filters - One in each of my larger tanks and they are run through an airline - The air draws the water through the foam and up the tube and back into the aquarium.

These are very cheap and I always use one now as they just polish the water up brilliantly - I was having a problem with having small "dust" in the water - put one in my tank and the following morning it was crystal clear. And has remained so since.

I use the fancy filters bu I always chuck one of htese in the back corner and let it do its work - every coupld of weeks I take the sponge and rinse it out in dirty tank water and pop it back in.

A lot of LFS's use them - cheap and keep the water nicely polished

 

[OohFeeshy]

Well, pump, powerhead whatever. I've only seen them online, and they seem a bit too big for a 5gallon fry tank. I want one that can be powered on a smallish airpump. I'll probably end up with this one though-
http/petfish.net/sponge_filter.htm

 

[jimw13uk]

Yep thats what you need

Buy or make them yourself I really recommend them

 

[OohFeeshy]

Hang on- I like this one. Basicly the same, but it seems easier IMO. Plus I can pick media out and make whatever size I like. Is this kind of idea OK? I'dd probably do it with a small drinks bottle or something.

http/petfish.net/diy_filter.htm

 

[Kinda Fishey]

I've used them in fry tanks, they work great, no problem sucking fry into the filter intake, like a big filter will. You can use shallower water which puts the fry and food closer together.
They're simple to make , but for less than 5 bucks go over to www.jehmco.com , go to sqonge filters.
Good Luck
KF

 

[jimw13uk]

Now thats a nice one - I have copied the link cos I might make one of those for my smaller tanks at home - very neat

Perfect I'd say and flexible with what you can use as medium

 

[OohFeeshy]

I might make film canister ones. Could I use a well washed glass jar? A fairly small one- maybe the kind you get paste for sandwiches in. Incase you're an american and your thinking Paste for sandwiches? It comes in a glass jar about 3 inches high with a 1.5 inch diameter. And it would be an exscuse to get something yummy. Or a marmite jar.... The possibilities are endless.

 

[sammydee]

Wow that's neat, but I don't know how effective something that small would be.

Why not use a small drinks bottle and put the tube right to the bottom of the bottle, with holes in the top to let water through. i'll draw a picture if you aren't sure what I mean.

Sam

 

[OohFeeshy]

Nope, not sure. I didn't say I was an idiot for nothing.
I'll probably end up buying one now. It was only to save a few quid and give me something to do anyway. But I'm still going to do the CO2 system and brine shrimp hatcher, so I'll have something to do.