Switching to sponge filters

[Pamelajo]

and one air pump for 9 tanks. Two of the nine are on a different level. Two remaining will remain with aqua clears one of them will be housing my canas which love to eat sponge filters so I won't be tempting them with any.

Once I have it set up it will be about a month til I can pull all the aquaclears off, I want to make sure all the sponge filters are well established
So far I have
pump
hose to attach to pump(decided not to use)
pvc to attach to hose(decided not to use)
6 plastic shut off valves would prefer brass, but these will do for now (will need more either way)(decided not to use)
Lots of airline hose
about 1/2 the sponge filters that I need

Some sponge filters are already running in a couple of tanks with small air pumps to get them seeded
We still have to move two of the tanks down stairs as soon as we figure out were they are going. One is the 75 gallon were the canas and brigs will be going.

[jewels]

Just curious. What are you using for sponge media?

[Pamelajo]

Hydro sponges, I will have two in each tank.
http://www.mops.ca/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/ushop/Sponge-Filters.html?L+scstore+sddj8247ff3eed3e+1245548271
I also have a couple of the one on the right but with double sponges for my smaller tanks like my 20 gallon, the 20 gallon hydro is too tall for it.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3940&cmpid=03csegb&ref=3312&subref=AA&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=0960962000000

[jewels]

Very nice, and the price seems more than reasonable.

[Melody]

It's coming together nicely for you! Will you be auctioning those Aquaclears? ::D:

[Pamelajo]

No sure what I am going to do with them. Some are older and a couple have been acting up due to the sand I am using apparently everyone in my club that has used this sand and aquaclears has had problems. This also prompted switching to sponge, it would have been cheaper that replacing all the aquaclears. I may offer them for parts.

There are a couple that are still working great that I may auction off, that have not been used on my sand tanks.

[CACAdmin]

It's a big project, especially moving tanks around but it sounds like you're well on your way to getting it all done. :Smile:

[Pamelajo]

The moving of the tanks is going to be a bit.

Got a lot accomplished today. We ended up not using the pvc as a manifold and ran lines right from the manifold that came with the pump. All the basement tanks now have two airlines going to them except my QT tank. We ran out of line for that one and the two upstairs tanks that will stay there. We seem to have lots of air pressure and will be splitting a couple of out put ports to accommodate all tanks from the one manifold. Still have to get the rest of the filters and some splitters, the tanks that do not have filters currently have airstones(aquaclears still on for at least a month on most)just so we could get the tanks in the basement done.

[CACAdmin]

You've been mighty busy. It'll be great to see the setup when you get it all done. (don't forget to take pics)

[Pamelajo]

Just finished filling out my order for mops for some more supplies. I have taken pics and will post them when I have some time. Off to work shortly.

[Pamelajo]

The pump is situated up in the rafters which are not enclosed. Lines to the left go to these tanks.

[Pamelajo]

Then going to the right go to these tanks, still have to run lines to QT tank and upstairs and lines for the other tanks that will eventually moved down stairs.



I am very happy with the way it turned out.

[CACAdmin]

That looks great, Pam. Great idea to place the pump up in the rafters. The way you've run the lines makes for a neat and tidy job.

[blainep]

Looks like a tidy job Pam, did that manifold come with the pump or did you buy it separately ?

[Pamelajo]

Thanks! I can't take all the credit hubby did help, but he refused to put his hands in the tanks..


That one came with the pump it has 12 outlets.

[CACAdmin]

he refused to put his hands in the tanks..

So I guess that means he's not going to be helping rinse out sponges, eh?:twitcy:

[Pamelajo]

nope no help there!!! Aww well he is good at electrical and building stands so I guess can't ask much more.

[Pamelajo]

Got the QT tank hooked up last night and two upstairs tanks. The 75 gallon tank with the 20 underneath that was going down stairs is not staying up and we will be running lines to this tank some time this weekend.

The 75 planted was supposed the cana tank once I took out plants and moved it so I have had to rethink everyones homes. Since the cana tank at the moment already has airlines going to it and I don't want sponge in there so they can eat it, I put two box filters in there with crushed coral and oyster shell and removed the bags out of the aqua clear.

[CACAdmin]

Reworking of plans is normal when you undertake major changes like this. But it sounds like it's all coming together for you.

You do realize how seriously disappointed the Canas will be that you're not providing sponges as part of their diet. :laugh:

[Pamelajo]

Yes I know they are disappointed, but that kind of fiber is probably not great for the digestive systems.

[CACAdmin]

Is there anything they won't eat? :twitcy:

[Namor]

Is there anything they won't eat? :twitcy:

I'm beginning to think not.:laugh:

Nice work Pam, looks great.:thumbup:

[Pamelajo]

So far they have not eaten the plastic plants, but that does not mean they have not tried.:twitcy:

[Pamelajo]

We have completed hooking up all air lines to every tank. Even ran two air stones for my decorations. Spent most of the day, adjusting air flow to each tank and floor.

[CACAdmin]

:Applaud: Job well done. Now tonight you can sit back and relax and enjoy watching your fishies.

[Pamelajo]

With a cooler in hand!!! One thing off the to do list.

[CACAdmin]

Just poured a glass of wine so I can join you in celebrating the completion of the job. :cheers: I'm working on my ToDo list... which at the moment involves doing waterchanges. :rolleyes:

[Melody]

Nice work Pam, thanks again for sharing it all with us. I was inspired to get to work on my tank wall in fact!

But then I laid down until the feeling went away. I guess one shouldn't start the project with the coolers hmm?

::D:

[Pamelajo]

waterchanges. :rolleyes:
Done!!

[Pamelajo]

But then I laid down until the feeling went away. I guess one shouldn't start the project with the coolers hmm?


::D:
:nah: not a great idea.

[CACAdmin]

Well, Pam. You're really on a roll having gotten your waterchanges done already, too! Want to come and o mine? :wink: I didn't think so...lol. I'm living dangerously... sipping wine and doing waterchanges.

Melody, having a cooler offers th opportunity to sit down and think about a project... however, it tends to remove the motivation for actually starting it. :wink:

[Melody]

But it's a lot more fun... well, if I didn't get wild & crazy and have a nap after three it would be. :twitcy:

[Pamelajo]

Before we left for vacation, we ran the rest of the lines one to the QT tank in the basement. Also to the 4 upstairs tanks. We decided to leave all the tanks upstairs. First we were just going to leave the 32 with the 10 upstairs, but the 75 with 20 on the bottom lights up the picture of dad about it. So hubby suggested we leave it. The air lines closest to the pump were way to violent so we are using less hoses with tees. We have also use valves on some lines were we needed to cut back on the pressure.
Everything is working well, in a couple more weeks I will be able to take the HOBs off. In the cana we already had 2 hoses, (original plan was not to have canas in this tank) and so how ended up with a third. Since I am leaving a HOB on that tank, because the canas will eat the sponges I hooked up three box filters with oyster shell and crushed coral and fibre. Figured the extra filter would not hurt and if will help keep the shells healthy with the little canas in there.

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for the update, Pam. Glad to hear you have lots of air pressure especially given the distance it has to travel. Using T-s to reduce it is an easy solution. (all this means you have a pump which will handle more tanks if you ever want to... don't tell hubby I said that. :wideeyed: )

I look forward to hearing how it goes once you remove the HOBs. It'll also be interesting to see how it all works out long-term for you with sponge filters. Keep us updated, will you please?

[Pamelajo]

In most of the tanks there are two sponges, one is enough to actually filter the tank. I did this so that I can remove one and complete clean it with out disrupting the bacteria needed to keep the tank healthy. So today was the first time I did this. Before water changes went and grabbed all sponge filters from the one side of the tanks. Once cleaned they were put back in the tank, in a month I will do the other side. I would eventually like to have a spare sponge for each tank, so I can switch it quickly and then clean them for next time.

[blainep]

So Pam, is the change over now complete ?

How well are things working out ?

I'm still thinking about changing over to air driven sponges, but since you decided to go for it, I'm wondering if you're satisfied with them.

[Pamelajo]

I have all but two of my eleven tanks on sponge filters. Saw a decrease in my hydro bill, but not sure if that is because my daughter is never here.:laugh: I am very pleased with it I have one more tank to change over that I had originally not planned on doing because of the canas in that tank. I may have to replace the sponges more in that tank, but it will save a bit more hydro. The tanks on the second floor are not affected by the distance, actually my 75 gallon needs to be restricted a bit.

[CACAdmin]

Jusst curious, Pam. How often do you find you need to rinse the sponges?

[Pamelajo]

I have been doing them 6 weeks to 2 months whether they need it or not. Depending on the tank some do and some don't but this way I don't have to keep track of which ones are done and which ones are not.

[Dan_G_Calgary]

Hello Pam. Been getting my fish room (area?) set up as you have probably guessed from all the 'what about this? what about that?' posts I have been making!

Could you tell me a bit about your central air pump? I have been seconds away from buying 2 of them so far, but really want to make sure I get the best bang for my buck as it is a pretty big ticket item. Looking in to the air pumps recommended by Gary, but your thoughts also appreciate much.

I too will be looking at setting up a MANIFOLD (and thank you for the correct name. been calling it a plenum for the last couple days! haha!) system and am curious why you decided against that.

thanks in advance!

Dan

[Pamelajo]

Hi Dan,
Gary also suggested some to me and I seriously considered them, but chose the a pond master air pump and am pleased with it. Did not want to deal with shipping from the US, duty and exchange. I run a small manifold that came with mine splitting the air lines further down. I did add some valves to even out flow. I ran 10 tanks on it on two floors. Now 9 tanks as one was turned into a terrarium. I do not regret switching over to sponges instead of power filters on each tank. No worrying if they will start back up after a power outage which we have regularly.

[Blossom112]

which pond master did you grab ?
the 20 or 40 ?
thanks

[Pamelajo]

Blossom I think it was the 40 I will try to remember to check when I go down stairs.

[Blossom112]

thanks ....after using the sponge and corner filters ,I was thinking to switch as well as they dont make as much noise .
How is the noise on the pump ?
I will have to get one from mops .
Thanks for the thread ,with moving to a house I will too want cheaper hydro .


p.s will you be posting any cana's anytime soon on the auction ?

[Pamelajo]

Blossom my canas only laid one clutch and it did not hatch, not sure if I even have a male any more. Was kind of letting these guys dwindle and I can get me if I ever decide to get back into them through one pet store here. If you have a petland out your way they can order them in for you.
The pump makes a small amount of noise but I have mine up in the rafters of the basement so don't notice it.

[Blossom112]

Dont think there is a petland here .
I will not give up my search !

So when I order the pump from mops .... is there anything else you can think of that I will need to order at the same time ?
maybe something you needed while you were connecting ?

thanks for the advice and the post it has helped me !

[Pamelajo]

new airline and length needed to run to all your tanks
air controllers to lessen air flow to closest tanks.

[Blossom112]

Been meaning to thank you for posting this thread !
I changed all my filters out , for sponge and corner .
It is so easy now , no need to worry they will clog and overflow , quiet ... soo much better .
I found in my plec tank a lot of crap in the water , so I grabbed the reversable powerhead with the sponge and it cleans it up great and bonus flow for the fish .
Now we can go on vacation without worry !
Thanks !

[Pamelajo]

so I grabbed the reversable powerhead with the sponge
Trying to picture this?? I have a tank plecos that needs a little extra suction, so wondering how you did this.

[Blossom112]

http://www.aquariumsupplies.ca/penguin-reverse-power-head-p-1537.html



:-)

but i hate the attachment to the inner tank , hang on or suction ... both suck ( my opinion )

[Blossom112]

am gonna try this one .... order it on thursday ....

http://www.aquariumsupplies.ca/powersweep-rotating-power-head-p-3155.html


with this attachment and see if that works better

http://www.aquariumsupplies.ca/powersweep-prefilter-assembly-p-3153.html