Cheapest Sponge Filter?

[Robin]

Where's the cheapest source for a sponge filter?

[Robin]

Oh, and how does it work? I never had one before. I might be interested in getting one for my shrimp tank.

Thank you in advance.

[turbomkt]

Here's an example (http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22201;category_id=2979). Just add an air pump and you're good.

[Robin]

Thanks for the link.

[Jake]

I have had the best luck with the interpet airstream sponge filters, such as the ones found on the bottom of the sponge filter section on "kensfish". I can't post a url as I have such a low post count and apparently the software doesn't enable it to prevent spamming. If you google kensfish you should find it pretty easily.

They ( as well as most sponge filters) work by introducing air bubbles into a tube. The bubbles have no choice but to rise, and as they do so water is forced to rise with the bubbles. When water is displaced in the tube ( forced out through the top), this forces more water to rush in to the area. The water that is forced to rush in must travel past the sponge first and this is where you get your biological filtration from. You must periodically rinse out the sponges in dechlorinated water to ensure the smooth flow of water through the sponge or the only thing you're getting out of the filter is the surface agitation from the bubbles.

The filters I attempted to link do not have weights on them such as most sponge filters do. They suction cup to the side of the tank. They have a 90 degree bend in the top of the adjustable tube which you can adjust to skim water over the surface of the water to increase surface agitation and oxygenation even more. The down side to them is that they are pretty loud as far as sponge filters go, but this is easily overlooked in tanks which are not in areas such as bedrooms and such.

Hope that helps.

[Robert]

Hi,
if you are looking for a really cheap sponge filter, then build it yourself. Here is a small article which shows you how to do it: http://www.shrimpnow.com/modules.php?name=Content&file=viewarticle&id=18 . There are other methods too but this one works and is quit simple and cheap.

regards
Robert

[turbomkt]

For Jake... Kensfish sponge filters: http://www.kensfish.com/ati.html

[Shrimper06]

Robert, I want to try to build a filter following your directions but can you please tell me where I can get the green material. I know the material usually comes in clear plastic.

Thanks lol .

[Robert]

Hi,
it doesn't matter if the plastic tube is green or grey or whatever color. I used it because it is easily available here in our LFS. But any other kind of plastic tube will do. You could even use glass if you can cut and bend it :D

Important is that you use a tube in which you pump air. The bubbles will push water upwards and so there is a current in the tube. Water is drawn through the sponge and so the bacteria in the sponge will act on the waste to break them down.

best regards

Robert

[primavera]

I get a low flow submersible water pump and just attach a piece of foam on the intake. I prefer water over air bubbles as it is more silent and doesn't drive out the CO2. Works wonders.