Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JG on January 17, 2014, 08:50:45 PM

Title: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: JG on January 17, 2014, 08:50:45 PM

Hi all,

I'm looking to convert some tanks over to sponge filtration and was wondering if anyone has any experience using this type as found on Ebay - http://www.ebay.ca/itm/400459429566?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Thanks,

J

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: African cichlid Keeper on January 17, 2014, 08:52:23 PM

I have. I never like them they don't work as well as a normal sponge filter.

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: JG on January 17, 2014, 08:59:26 PM

What about them did you find not as effective? Wanted to try a few on a couple of smaller tanks.

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: African cichlid Keeper on January 17, 2014, 09:26:42 PM

Quote from: JG on January 17, 2014, 08:59:26 PM

What about them did you find not as effective? Wanted to try a few on a couple of smaller tanks.

The air line tubing didn't say on it and they come a part to easy.

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: JG on January 17, 2014, 09:57:45 PM

Have you tried the Marina brand? Reason for my considering that style is to avoid consuming as much real estate in the smaller tanks.

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: Ron on January 17, 2014, 10:08:17 PM

The larger diameter uplift tubes move more water IME, making the entire sponge work better. I've bought a couple of the style in the original post/link and eventually threw them out.

IMO HydroSponge or a DIY equivalent is the only way to go.

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: JG on January 17, 2014, 10:18:43 PM

Appreciate the feedback.

Maybe I'll try to source a few smaller traditional sponges. Anyone have any good sources for them in MI or online?

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: jamarini on January 19, 2014, 09:05:03 AM

I've used the type you're considering and still use some.  I like the fact that one can thoroughly clean one of the foam pieces and not risk destroying the beneficial bacteria colony.  But, on the negative side, I've had the perforated plastic pieces that the foam sleeve goes over tends to embrittle over time so they break off.  Good design concept, IMO, but over time they break and need to be replaced.  I agree with Ron in that the ASI types with the larger diameter uplift tubes are the most efficient and effective foam filters on the market.

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: JG on January 19, 2014, 10:11:33 PM

Does recommendations on where to purchase good quality/priced sponge filters, either online or locally?

Thanks,

J

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: jamarini on January 20, 2014, 08:23:59 AM

Two good online sources are Jehmco and Ken's Fish Food.  They seem to have the best prices on the filters and replacement parts.

Title: Re: LF: Sponge filter Feedback
Post by: Jim363 on January 20, 2014, 04:09:19 PM

I have bought these off EBay also.  The foam is denser, so it seemed that less water went through.  I like the smaller size, but  I use different foams.  I get the replacement foams from Drs foster n smith