ATI Sponge Filter

About ATI Sponge Filters
Aquarium Technology, Inc. was founded in 1991 by Joseph C. Gargiulo. He, in 1991 lived in Atlanta, Georgia, were he still currently resides today. At the time the company was run and operated by Springfield Tool and Tie (known by most as Lustar) in Springfield, New Jersey.



From the time period of 1991 through 2005 ATI has sales numbers that were about the same every year. However, in late 2005 Lustar made an announcement that they were closing their doors, so Aquarium Technology, Inc had to figure out something to do.
There were two options. One of which being closing the company and the owner, Joseph Gargiulo, thought about closing the company as his time and efforts were already in so many other things. The other option was moving the company to Atlanta.
After 2-3 months of business conversations with Lustar and pondering the idea of having the company closer to him, Joseph made the decision of moving the company to Atlanta. In March of 2006 Aquarium Technology, Inc had begun its move south. It took over 2 ½ months to move the entire company. By late May 2006, ATI had reopened its doors for business in Atlanta.

After opening its doors in Atlanta, Aquarium Technology, Inc, had slowly begun to grow; taking in more orders and supplying Sponge Filters and other products. By the end of May 2007 the company had seen a near 6% increase in just that one year.

Hopefully over near future ATI will plan to release new product lines, update customers more, and become well known throughout the aquatic filtration market.

Sponge Filter Pictures

Sponge Filter (Filtration) Pictures & Diagrams for Aquariums

*This post shows several different how-to aquarium (& pond) sponge filter applications via diagrams/pictures.

*This also includes Sponge Pre-filter applications as well.

Sponge Filter Diagrams

The first picture shows how the concept of an aquarium sponge filter connected to an air pump functions/works.













This second picture shows the basic flow pattern with different lift tube heights or pump configurations.





These next two pictures/diagrams show basic Sponge Filter set up methods.
First is an air pump set up and the second is how to convert a Via Aqua 480 Power Head (or similar) to connect with a Sponge Filter


Sponge Pre-Filter Diagrams/Pictures










This diagram/picture is a Via Aqua Vitalife M-200 Filter attached to Filter Max Pre-Filter














This picture shows a Filter Max Aquarium Prefilter connected to a Via Aqua 1300 pump (a Filter Max #3 is recommended, although the #2 can work as well).
This application works well for using your Pump to other filters such a converted pond filter.


Please see this article for MUCH more Sponge Filtration Information:
*Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and ponds


For sites to purchase Premium Hydro Sponge Products:
*ATI Hydro Sponge Filters

*ATI Filter Max Prefilters

*ATI Hydro Pond/Sump Filters

Inexpensive Pond Filtration

Inexpensive Biological and Mechanical Pond Filtration

QUESTION (from a client’s email):

What is a good source for additional bio-filtration for my pond?
I have a waterfall filter, and a veggie stream.
I still think my pond can be clearer and there is a lot of sediment floating in the pond.

ANSWER:

A Hydro-pond filter is an excellent source of bio-filtration for a small pond (under 500 gallons). It works a pre-filter for any pump intake and even as a stand alone filter.

Sponge filtration is one of the most under rated forms of filtration for ponds and aquariums alike. When used and properly cared for, a sponge filter colonizes aerobic bacteria for ammonia and nitrite removal, and they make excellent mechanical filters, trapping a lot of floating debris.

Care is simple; just remove the sponge and squeeze into used pond water to remove the waste. This retains the beneficial bacteria, while removing organic and other waste from clogging the pond or even before going thru the nitrogen cycle.


Some of the attributes of sponge filtration for ponds are:

• Maintains the biological filtration when main filter is changed or cleaned.

• Prevents debris such as dead fish and plant material from clogging the intake by distributing the suction evenly down the length of the sponge.

• Prevents small or baby fish from being suctioned into the main filter or water pump.

• Can be used as a temporary or permanent filter in ponds.

• Traps larger waste particles, mechanically cleaning the water.

• Can be used in vertical or horizontal position.

• Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze.

A simple application would be a Hydro pond filter attached to a Via Aqua 2600 (740 gph) or 1300 pump (370 gph), then additionally run to a UV sterilizer (optional), then back to the pond via a waterfall or other water feature. This is a simple and cost effective way to set up a pond filtration system. When combined with a veggie filter (water iris or other bog plants with a small current of water passing through the plant roots), you will have an excellent filter system for under $150 that can maintain a pond up to 1000 gallons (although the Hydro Pond Filters are rated this high, have found 500 gallons the upper limit I feel comfortable recommending these for).

For further Pond information, please read this VERY complete article about pond care: “A Clear Pond; Pond Information”


For further information about Aquarium Sponge Filtration, please read this article: “Sponge filtration; How sponge filters work and the benefits of using sponge filters in aquariums and ponds”

Sponge Filter Video

I have a sponge filter installation video that shows basic installation to either an air pump or a power head:

It is here in my Sponge filtration article:
SPONGE FILTRATION

Sponge filters, myths and truths

Aquarium and Pond Sponge Filtration myths and truths:

I have read several posts in forums and especially Yahoo answers about Sponge Filters. There is still a lot of misinformation about how a sponge works and is powered along with what they can and cannot do.

There are several models of sponge filters (and several brands, not all are even close to equal). There are sponge filters that work as pre filters for canister filters or HOB filters (where they substantially improve bio filtration during cartridge changes (not to mention they extend the life of filter cartridges allow less frequent changes). There are also sponge filters that work in ponds, aquarium sumps, or work as sponge filters for larger aquariums (the Hydro Pond ).

Where some of the misinformation comes in is how they are powered, many can be or are powered by pumps or power heads not just air pumps.

Another source of misinformation is their capacity as compared to other filters. You cannot compare a small cheap sponge filter model to an Aqua Clear 50 HOB filter. However a Hydro Sponge #5 (powered by a proper air pump (such as a ReSun 9602 ) or a power head (such as a Via Aqua 480 or larger) will easily match the Aqua Clear 50 in bio capacity (or usually exceed it) and mechanical filtration (often chemical filtration is not necessary in a healthy established aquarium, I only use carbon in new aquariums or sometimes after treatment).
The Hydro Pond II or IV will easily exceed the Aqua Clear 110.
All these sponge filters cost much less besides!

And finally another source of misinformation is on comparing all sponge filters as the same. I have used many different models and they are not even close to bio capacity or even flow rate with the same pump (air or water) attached (I have “clocked” the fill rate in a measuring cup of different brand “seasoned” sponge filters and found definite variations). I will admit to trying different brands for cost assuming a sponge was a sponge, however I quickly noticed the difference and then switched to knock offs of Hydro Sponge until I found out about patent infringements. There is a reason that there are so many patent infringements on Hydro Sponge, they work!

Sponge Filtration

SPONGE FILTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS

For my more in depth article about sponge filtration please visit this the site above

Sponge filters for Fresh, Saltwater, & Ponds

SPONGE FILTERS

Sponge filtration is an often overlooked type of filtration for freshwater and even marine aquariums. Many persons look past their simplicity as ineffective, but therein lies their quality. I have used them for my aquarium maintenance for 27 plus years with excellent results, including: Main Filter, secondary filter, pre-filter, hospital filter, and bowl or small tank filter (Sponge filters really excel here for bettas in that they are efficient bio and mechanical filters without the risk of fin damage to bettas).

Here then is a list of their basic attributes:

[1] Simple to use, most run on very basic air pumps or powerheads. One of the best beginner aquarist filters due simplicity and cost. But sponge filters are also popular with breeders and research facilities, as they are very efficient yet simple filters.

[2] Excellent biological filtration, they are very porous and can maintain very large aerobic bacterial colonies in proportion to the space they occupy.

[3] Mechanical filtration, although they are not the best mechanical filters, they still do a good job for their small size and make excellent secondary or primary filters when used in combination with other filters such as HOB, canister, or internal filters.

[4] Very few “dead” areas trapping pockets of noxious bacteria, unlike under gravel filters and even wet/dry filters (which in my experience are over rated).

[5] Simple to clean, simply remove the sponge and squeeze or rinse in old aquarium water or de-chlorinated tap water. The advantage here is the aquarist is less likely to ignore cleaning the filter (unlike many complex filters), which can lead to organic build up, increasing nitrates and lowering KH and ph.

[6] Sponge filters are great in marine aquariums in a couple of different ways; one way is in a sump (sometimes sideways) with a small power head pump (such as a Via Aqua 480); the other (usually in a reef application) was inside the aquarium with either an air pump or power head. The beauty of either application is they are simple to rinse out with used aquarium water, which in the reef application was especially useful in that I could dispose of allot of debris before it cycled and produced Nitrates. They are an excellent compliment to “live rock” filtered reef aquariums.

[7] Probably the best choice of filtration for breeding tanks, hospital tanks, and even discus aquariums, due to the fact that they do not “suck” in baby or weak fish or attract noxious bacteria.

[8] For cichlid breeding they excel, as they are not easily disturbed by cichlids tendency to dig.

[9] Inexpensive

[10] Now available in larger sizes for aquariums over 60 gallons.

[11] Sponge filters can even be used in ponds. With the "Hydro Pond Filter", simply attach a power head pump (such as a Via Aqua 2600), then run your return line wherever you like (waterfall, ECT). Or the Hydro Pond II can be run off a simple air pump. These filters can work on ponds up to 1500 gallons (or more with additional units).
These Hydro Pond filters also work VERY well in large aquariums especially as a pre-filter (#4) for pump in an aquarium sump for wet/dry or Berlin Method Marine filtration.

[12] There also are sponge filters that are used as a "Pre-Filter" for intakes of canister, wet/dry, power filters and more. They offer increased bio-filtration to your existing system, as well as protection from baby fish, plants, or anemones from being sucked into the intake of your existing filter.
These pre-filter sponges are especially useful for HOB (power filters) as they increase the bio capacity (far more than bio wheels in experiments I have done) and retain the aerobic bio filtering bacteria during filter media changes. With out these Sponge pre-filters, HOB filters are poor to fair bio filters, with them they are excellent.

[13] Sponge filters are great for planted aquariums, they do not interfere with root structures and maintain a biological balance that ideal for planted aquariums.

[14] EXCELLENT for use in marine aquariums, especially when the Berlin Filter method is applied. I have used these as a pre-filter for the return pump for a Mud filter, in a sump, or as just an additional bio/mechanical filter inside a Nano Reef. The advantage of these in marine applications is they trap debris and organic mulm which is VERY easily rinsed out unlike a more difficult canister filter or even bio balls, thus reducing the “nitrate factory” aspects of many other mechanical/bio filters in marine aquaria.

[15] Sponge filters or internal filters with sponges are very efficient for powering UV Sterilizers and Fluidized Bed filters (an under rated but excellent filter on its own).



Here are a few myths about Sponge filters:

* Bio Wheels and Wet Dry filters are superior to sponge filters.- MYTH
In theory the added oxygen or bio wheels and wet dry filters is great, but in practicality the channeling of wet dry filters and the deposit build up of Bio Wheels lowers bacteria surface area, while the fact remains that with the proper dissolved oxygen levels your fish should have is more than adequate for a healthy sponge filter to maintain proper bio colonies. Compare a Wet Dry filter to a tank with live rock and other means of mechanical filtration, and you will find the live rock superior even though it is under water.

* All sponge filters are the same and only for small aquariums. –MYTH
The flow design, sponge media material, and sponge size all are important. A large sponge filter with sponge media of a high and proper sized pore count is and extremely efficient filter. Compare the sponge design of the patented Hydro Sponge to a cheaper Lees or Tetra sponge and it is obvious, as these cheaper sponges clog faster and do not have the pore density of Hydro Sponge filters.


FOR EVEN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SPONGE FILTRATION, please visit this site:
SPONGE FILTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS


A blog I found with great pictures of aquarium aquascaping: Underwater Poetry.

OTHER INTERESTING LINKS


A GREAT PLACE FOR QUALITY ATI HYDRO SPONGE FILTERS, Prices starting at $4.99!

Accommodation, cuisine, hotels, lodgings and world recipes - www.worldofhospitality4u.com, - a searchable directory of travel, accommodation and hospitality related sites, with food, travel and hospitality articles and more

The importance of aquarium water qualityBasic information about freshwater or marine water quality maintenance









INFORMATION ABOUT IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF AEROMONAS, VIBRIO, & SEPTICEMIA Information about the treatment and identification of Aeromonas and Vibrio bacterial pathogens in aquariums and ponds.



Information about Pressurized pond filtration.



Via Aqua Via Aqua aquarium pumps, filters, uv sterilizer, sponge filter, fish food , ick treatment, Fish food, Clear Stream Pond Filter, o rings for uv, and more. (Via Aqua 1300 only $16.99)

BASIC AQUARIUM PRINCIPLES Basic beginner principles for owning an aquarium

AQUARIUM CLEANING MACHINE Innovative power aquarium vacuum and water change system. Makes monthly maintenance a snap.


ponds - Shop for aquatic plants, Koi, and pond supplies at Loch Ness Water Gardens.



Fish Food Sanyu Vital is a complete diet to provide all necessary nutrition for goldfish and tropical fish/cichlids. This food is formulated to meet the diet requirement for goldfish and tropical fish. THE PLACE TO BUY SANYU FISH FOODS!

Compact UV Sterilizer For Aquarium and Pond Disease and algae control. These ReSun and Via Aqua Compact UV Sterilizers are the state of the art in compact uv sterilzation. Proper UVC wave length with quartz sleeve in a compact UV Sterilizer unit.


Google Groups- Aquarium-UV-Sterilizers Discussion about UV sterilization, fish disease and prevention

Sponge Filters-Yahoo Groups- Links


Yahoo Groups- Aquarium Maintenance