Sponge + Powerhead

[convict360]

Hi guys,

I recently made a thread about filtrating a long, low tank; which needs good filtration (10x) for the plants, without breaking the surface and releasing co2.

I'm keen to steer away from external canister filters, and haven't quite been able to identify a good internal that will fit in the tank properly.

As it stands, there is a fluval U2 and small sponge, but the sponge will be removed shortly to maximise co2, and the 400lph of the U2 simply won't cut it.

Ideally, I'd get the benefits of a sponge, with the flow of a powerhead; which leads me to contemplate the set-up below.

Of the variations shown, has anyone tried any of these long term? If so, I'm open to suggestions on 600-700lph powerheads.

I've heard that such set-ups burn out the powerheads, but given these powerheads are usually cheaper; if i could stretch 1-2 years out of them I'd actually be pretty satisfied with that tbh

 

[FreshyFresh]

I recently bought a cheap sunsun PH for the same purpose. My intent is to shove it into a sponge bubbler like your first pic. Haven't done it yet. Only downside I'd think is having to squeeze the sponge out often. This setup shouldn't burn out a PH.

 

[convict360]

I recently bought a cheap sunsun PH for the same purpose. My intent is to shove it into a sponge bubbler like your first pic. Haven't done it yet. Only downside I'd think is having to squeeze the sponge out often. This setup shouldn't burn out a PH.

it's the best set-up I can think of just now, externals are a no-go, as they're simply too big for my needs; plus leak risk.

Can't run the sponge by air, as it loses my CO2, and still need the flow for the plants! Let me know if you get any further forward with the sun sun, do you have pics of the powerhead and sponge?

 

[monkeybike]

I use one in my wifes tank. When the flow slows down I just squeeze it out in a bucket of tank water. I use it along with a canister filter to get extra flow and biological filtration.

 

[joe jaskot]

Use a coarse sponge material. The fine sponge clogs up too quickly and limits the water flow through the powerhead, which may cause damage.

 

[joe jaskot]

Use a coarse sponge material. The fine sponge clogs up too quickly and limits the water flow through the powerhead, which may cause damage.

 

[convict360]

Use a coarse sponge material. The fine sponge clogs up too quickly and limits the water flow through the powerhead, which may cause damage.

it's a fine sponge I have, well; a few on hand. Hopefully will suffice since the tank is just cherry shrimp and minnows, nothing heavy.

 

[FreshyFresh]

it's the best set-up I can think of just now, externals are a no-go, as they're simply too big for my needs; plus leak risk.

Can't run the sponge by air, as it loses my CO2, and still need the flow for the plants! Let me know if you get any further forward with the sun sun, do you have pics of the powerhead and sponge?

I haven't set it up yet, but do have a spare "deep blue" brand sponge bubbler filter and the PH sitting around yet. This PH was was under $9 shipped. The Chinglish is what sold me. "touch the perfection". LOL!

 

[convict360]

I haven't set it up yet, but do have a spare "deep blue" brand sponge bubbler filter and the PH sitting around yet. This PH was was under $9 shipped. The Chinglish is what sold me. "touch the perfection". LOL!

Haha haven't heard that in a while

 

[HarleyK]

Here is my 4ft tank with dual sponge filters and a powerhead
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/river-tank-w-hard-plumbed-sponge-filters.578821/