Make your own sponge filter

[CACAdmin]

After looking at this link, it appears quite easy and inexpensive you make your own sponge filter.
http://www.cichlidgallery.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=144:make-your-own-sponge-filter&catid=42:articles&Itemid=112

I do have extra powerheads so I am considering giving it try for extra filtration in a tank. If I do, I will post additional info here. If any of you attempt this or have your own variation, let us know.

[PintoHawk]

Did you ever try this? How did it go?
Where does one purchase a powerhead or two? LFS I assume?

[CACAdmin]

No I haven't gotten around to it, so thanks for reminding me. :smile: When I do think about it I forget to pick up some rigid plastic tubing. I was thinking of using that in a 16g tub I use as an extra tank. Right now it has a too-small HOB filter on it.

You'll be able to find a whole range of powerheads at your LFS (they come in a wide range is size and price and are rated at GPH (gallons per hour). For example my Maxi-jet 400 is rated at 110 GPH, my maxi-jet 600 is rated at 160 GPH. Of course, once you add a sponge the flow will be reduced.

[PintoHawk]

I should probably buy one that is over-gallons for my tank size then, is what I think you are saying. ;) Buy a 40 for a 20 gallon type of thing. I think I will be doing several of this type of project in the next few months, because the sponge flters seem more fry-friendly than the suction ones I currently have (which I am always having issues with, grrr). :)
I didn't mean to pressure you, LOL. I was curious. :)

[CACAdmin]

I'm glad you asked. I just tend to get sidetracked and it's something I want to try... especially as I have an unused powerhead sitting around here.

[PintoHawk]

*waves a pendant in front of your face*
"Ship it to meeee... ship the powerhead to Pinnnntooooo...."

I do want to see pictures of what you end up doing with it, though. I am a junkie for DIY projects and I think they always need pictures. I love going through DIY stuff online. :)

[CACAdmin]

:laugh: I don't think hypnosis works over the internet. But yes, I will post pics.

[PintoHawk]

Hmm, yeah it has never worked before, not sure why I thought it might work this time... I guess you never know. ;)

[CACAdmin]

Well, today I picked up a piece of PVC when I was at Rona and managed to get the wrong size. :rolleyes: but what the heck it was and end cut which they gave me at no charge so I'm not out of pocket. However, while I was in the mindset of doing this DIY sponge filter, I decided to go ahead anyways with what I had (so this is my variation.)

Step 1 (items used)... all parts come with the Maxi-Jet
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/DIY-spongefilter-1.jpg

Step 2 - took this piece and drilled multiple holes.
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/DIY-spongefilter-3.jpg http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/DIY-spongefilter-3a.jpg

Step 3- Assembled powerhead, cut Fluvial 3 foam in 1/2
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/DIY-spongefilter-4.jpg

Step 4- added foam to intake
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/jb_images/DIY-spongefilter-5.jpg

Voila! Task complete! ::D:
Note: I used the fluvial 3 foam inserts as I already have them on hand to cover intakes of HOB filters in my fry tanks.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Can't tell from the pic but it looks like the bottom of the sponge is open. If it is, you need to plug that otherwise the water will take the path of least resistance and bypass the sponge.

[CACAdmin]

Thanks... hadn't thought about that... will plug the end. Also, I'm not sure if the holes I drilled are large enough... I can always make them larger if necessary. I'll see how the flow is.

[PintoHawk]

I stuck a piece of sponge on the end of my Aqua-Tech intake, after drilling holes, and I found it got clogged right away, I was forever cleaning/rinsing the sponge... I bet it was because the holes needed to be bigger. Maybe I will re-tackle that project now that I have realized this.

Looks good! (and such a pretty blue color)

[CACAdmin]

Well, I decided to triple the number of holes and see how it works... I figure more holes as opposed to larger holes will make more effective use of the sponge.

[PintoHawk]

*nods* Very good thinking, maybe I will do the same whenever I get around to it...

[Melody]

maybe I will do the same whenever I get around to it...

Here ya go!

http://www.passco.com/tuit.htm

[PintoHawk]

LMAO, I hadn't seen this until now, thanks Melody! :)

[CACAdmin]

:rofl: That's priceless!

Now as for the filter, drilling the extra holes worked really well... I ran it in my pond all summer.

[Melody]

I haven't been keeping up with this section apparently...lol. My Dad has a round tuit that is older than I am, done on wood. They're a great little wood craft if anyone is into that sorta thing. You just paint/woodburn the verse onto the circle. I'm sure it would be a simple needlepoint too.

Glad the filter worked for you! The Aquaclear sponges should work well and you wouldn't have to plug the end, just cut an X 3/4 of the way down through.