Sponge Filter Issue

[midasman714]

My sponge Filter seems to only work when there's tension or when it's resting on something. I can't figure out what the issue is and how I can remedy.

Here's a video of what I'm referring to:

 

[The Masked Shadow]

check the end of the tube to see if it is fully connected. Besides that, idk. Dissect it. If you can’t find anything, sponge filters are relatively cheap.

 

[deeda]

What air pump are you using and is it connected to any other air driven equipment?

My guess is the problem is the height of the tank or rather how far down in the tank the sponge filter is located. You need more CFM the deeper in the tank the SF is located.

 

[BIG-G]

I agree with D deeda
The air pump you’re using isn’t strong enough to overcome the water pressure.
Either that or there is an issue where the airline is connected to the sponge or the bottom of the sponge where the air exits into the lift tube.

 

[midasman714]

What air pump are you using and is it connected to any other air driven equipment?

My guess is the problem is the height of the tank or rather how far down in the tank the sponge filter is located. You need more CFM the deeper in the tank the SF is located.

I'm using whisper ap300 and have another sponge connected that has the same issue. So I'm thinking it's related to the fact that the filters are too low.

What is CFM?

 

[BIG-G]

What is CFM?

Cubic feet per minute

 

[lp85253]

it's the air pump .. sponge filters really aren't a breakable technology , it's a tube and a sponge...

 

[The Masked Shadow]

it's the air pump .. sponge filters really aren't a breakable technology , it's a tube and a sponge...

I was pondering this, and can you feel the air coming through the tube? If yes, then DEFINETLY something with the air pump. Tho I am not sure how they break. What happened to my filter is that it got clogged with sand, so could an air pump get water inside it? How long have you had it?

 

[midasman714]

I was pondering this, and can you feel the air coming through the tube? If yes, then DEFINETLY something with the air pump. Tho I am not sure how they break. What happened to my filter is that it got clogged with sand, so could an air pump get water inside it? How long have you had it?

Air is coming through as it's still working above a certain distance from the bottom of the tank.

Seems to be the air pump as it's rated for "300 gallons" which makes me believe 24" high tank wouldn't be an issue. Motor/pump may not be as strong. I'll play around with it once I get a chance to verify.

 

[BIG-G]

Air is coming through as it's still working above a certain distance from the bottom of the tank.

Seems to be the air pump as it's rated for "300 gallons" which makes me believe 24" high tank wouldn't be an issue. Motor/pump may not be as strong. I'll play around with it once I get a chance to verify.

You can get repair kits for it.
I’m just guessing, I will bet a diaphragm has cracked. They are rubber and will crack with age and as long as the crack is small it will still produce air until enough back pressure is applied then the air is forced out the crack instead of the air line.