Sponge Filter Lift Tube Extensions

 

High Performance Sponge Filters such as the Hydro Sponge (or Hydro Pond #2) can have improved circulation patterns in deep aquariums with the use of "Hydro Lifts".
A Hydro Lift extends the flow pattern in deeper tanks (generally over 16 inches) by extending the water outflow higher in the aquarium (as close to the surface as possible for maximum results).
It is noteworthy that this is not always necessary in all aquariums such as aquarium with other filters that provide good upper circulation or where the aquarium keeper desires less circulation in the upper aquarium.

However in most aquarium applications this is desirable, especially where the Sponge Filter is the sole or primary filter for the aquarium. Of which despite popular anecdotal (but incorrect) assumptions, a sponge filter can actually exceed many other filters including HOB Power Filters and even many Canister filters for aerobic bio filtration. The key is the correct size Sponge filter and the quality of the sponge material; both of these attributes are generally missing with sponge filters used where incorrect assumptions were made (extensive controlled tests dating back to the 1990s have proven this).
(Please click on the picture to the left to enlarge for a better view)

The addition of a Hydro Lift (or similar 1 inch tube) can be used with either air pump driven or power head (water pump) driven sponge filter applications. These lifts can also be easily cut to exact heights with a hack saw.

Hydro Lift Extensions can also be used with multiple "Stackable" Sponge Filters such as the Hydro Sponge #5 Stackable, this can be useful for large deep tanks where multiple tiers of Sponges are added to keep up with high or increasing bio loads.

For an air pump to power your AAP Hydro-Lift, NOTHING beats the AAP Million Air Pumps for value.
AAP Aquarium Million Air Pumps

ATI Sponge Filter, History

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 making the Hydro Sponge Filter was run and operated by Springfield Tool and Tie (known by most as Lustar) in Springfield, New Jersey.

---

ADVERTISEMENT

---

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 as the Lustar Sponge Filter was a major product line for ATI.
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, getting a patent (5203990) for original Lustar Hydro-Sponge filter, and supplying these Sponge Filters to more distributors along with other products.
By the end of May 2007 the company had seen a near 6% increase in just that one year.

Over the years, AAP (American Aquarium Products) has become the main/prime distributor for the Hydro Sponge Filter (& the only seller with the full line of popular ATI/AAP Hydro Sponge Filters & pre-filters, including combos).

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

FURTHER READING:
*Aquarium Information | Fish & Pond Help | Advice | Research
*Aquarium Answers