Sponge Filter; Bowl or Small Aquarium Filters

 

This is a very simple idea where by one uses a Hydro Sponge #2, then one would cut this filter's sponge in half, then remove the male strainer, then finally replace the sponge with this new "1/2" sponge "Mini Hydro Sponge Filter" well suited for a small aquarium (under 2 gallons) or a bowl.

The result of this VERY simple DIY Mini filter is an extra sponge for a future change, but just as importantly and unlike other DIY sponge filter ideas circulating here on the internet is you also still have a Quality, Patented Hydro Sponge Filter with higher bio filtration capacity per square inch (or square centimeter) and a sponge (plus spare) that does not degrade quickly.

It is also noteworthy that this Mini Aquarium or Bowl Sponge Filter is vastly superior to one of those small round under gravel filters many will use in a bowl for these reasons (especially for Betta Bowls/Containers since food often falls to the bottom where the Betta will rarely go):

*More easily rinsed (de-chlorinated tap or bowl/aquarium water should be used for rinsing, not tap water)
*Higher Bio Capacity (more space for aerobic nitrifying bacteria)
*Better oxygenation of this bio bacteria
*Much less decomposition in the substrate or bowl bottom that can result in Aeromonas bacterial outbreaks or Saprolegnia (fungus) outbreaks.

Please click on the picture above to enlarge for a better view

Sponge Filter Troubleshooting Picture

SPONGE FILTER POOR FLOW TROUBLESHOOTING

Although mechanical filtration is not the main strength of a sponge filter, a Sponge Filter can still can remove copious amounts of debris form the water column when properly connected.
If not connected properly, you will see little if any mechanical filtration and even biological filtration will suffer as well.
This can be a problem with air pump applications, especially in small aquariums where the aquarium keeper unknowingly leaves off the lift tube to fit better in a small aquarium and then amplifies the problem by not extending the airline deeper into the sponge filter

The picture above shows water flow through a sponge filter depending upon air diffuser, airline tubing, and lift tube placement (Please click to enlarge).

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As you can see a sponge filter on the left with no lift tube and with no extension of tubing (or air diffuser) has a poor flow through the sponge material (if any flow at all).
The reason is the air bubbles rising in column will create a vacuum, however if there no lift tube (or very little) no vacuum is produced and the water will simply flow upward with the current of water, mostly avoiding the sponge (which will have more resistance).

The point is to overcome the resistance of the sponge material with a stronger vacuum produced in the lift tube, as well a an extension of airline tubing into the sponge filter and/or the use of an air diffuser or air stone can extend this vacuum deeper into the sponge filter, thus providing a better flow.

FURTHER READING:
*Aquarium Sponge Filter Use/Information
*Freshwater Aquarium Care/Information

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.

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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

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 AAP HQB-3500 Pump (792 gph) or AAP HJ-1542 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”