The Woefully Underappreciated Sponge Filter

[toffee]

I once used a giant sponge as the sole filter for a 180g, ran for 2 years with no problem whatsoever. System was real simple,

180g>overflow>sump (walmart plastic tub) with giant sponge>180g.

The sponge was huge, about 18"x12"x8" used a 900gph pump. Water quality was good, I did seasonal maintenance, ie the the sponge out and wash it in tank water.

 

[lp85253]

I once used a giant sponge as the sole filter for a 180g, ran for 2 years with no problem whatsoever. System was real simple,

180g>overflow>sump (walmart plastic tub) with giant sponge>180g.

The sponge was huge, about 18"x12"x8" used a 900gph pump. Water quality was good, I did seasonal maintenance, ie the the sponge out and wash it in tank water.

maybe the biggest sponge filter out there?

 

[toffee]

maybe the biggest sponge filter out there?

Not sure about that, but sure was effective. In fact, the cuttings from the original sponge help started quite a few tanks. we were talking about INSTANT ready and cycled.

 

[lp85253]

Not sure about that, but sure was effective. In fact, the cuttings from the original sponge help started quite a few tanks. we were talking about INSTANT ready and cycled.

how was the sponge set up in the sump?did you have air running it ,or did you just feed water through it

 

[toffee]

The sponge was attached to the pump, the pump inlet was embedded inside the sponge. The whole sponge was submerged in the sump, well most of the time. Due to evaporation and undersized sump, the top inch or so of the sponge were not submerged from time to time.

 

[Gill Blue]

maybe the biggest sponge filter out there?

the sponges in my sump will be 24"x19"x6"

 

[toffee]

Yours are biggest, I don't think mine was 24". How big a tank was it for?

 

[lp85253]

The sponge was attached to the pump, the pump inlet was embedded inside the sponge. The whole sponge was submerged in the sump, well most of the time. Due to evaporation and undersized sump, the top inch or so of the sponge were not submerged from time to time.

I may try that sometime ..thanks. also what was the brand name of the sponge and where can I find one

 

[toffee]

I got them from Jo-anne or in those days known as New York Fabric. Green stuff for cushion etc. real cheap. And I used to soak a new one in the same tub for couple days and change it, so instant new filter lol.

 

[ToolMan78]

Be careful about what foam you get for a DIY filter. Some open cell foam (the kind that passes water) is treated with fungicides to prevent mildew in outdoor applications, "EZ-Dri" does for sure. What might work well is acoustic foam. They sell it in big sheets. It's the dark gray stuff they line recording studios with to get rid of sound reflections. It has a 3D surface texture , kinda like egg crate, which would help create more surface area for your filter.
I would say find a foam dealer in your area and ask for open cell or reticulated foam. It shouldn't contain fungicides or fire retardants.