Hamburg Mattenfilter, on the bottom?

[Racersk]

I am thinking of cool ways to filter a 29 gallon hospital tank-possibly a puffer tank, but that is far off...

I have no room behind it and want to go simple, clean, and air driven only. I have a well seeded Hydor IV in my 125's sump I was going to use for this, but it's big bulky and kinda ugly! I also have in use a Hamburg Mattenfilter running in a 45Gallon show tank using 2 powerheads for a my sunfish tank. it works well and in a lightly stocked tank (2 fish) is all that is really needed...

Browsing online tonight for some tops for this tank (36x12) I came across several undergravel filters...Usually taboo, but think if the 'substrate' was a sponge? Think about it, a 2" thick sponge the entire footprint with 2 uplifer tubes ala undergravel filter... Should only be ~$30 for the sponge and I have uplifters...I could even 'plant' fake plants easily into the sponge for cover if needed.

Here's the web site for the Porret sponge material.
Porret pricelist


See any issues?

 

[Racersk]

So either nobody has tried this or I am the first to think of it?! Doubt it...On both accounts.

My mattenfilter on my 45 seams to be good with just a powerhead attached to the side of the tank. I can't imagine that one the entire length ran but air uplift could do any worse.

 

[Racersk]

hmmm a bit of lag after the update...