Anyone know where to get foam for matten filters other than swiss tropicals?

[Ceez]

Does anyone know where to get 30ppi 3" thick foam for matten filters other than Swiss tropicals? I need 24" x 15" 3" thick. Love swiss tropicals, Stephans been great but I'm trying to save a few bucks. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you'd rather PM me info too that would be great. Thanks

 

[BigDog]

Try a fabric store

 

[GaryE]

Here, I can get foam in fabric stores, but it's not the quality or pore size you'd need for a matten filter. There are Chinese sources online, but the bulk needed makes it a false economy from what I've seen. Almost every time I've seen these discussions, the road led back to Swiss Tropicals and the price you have to pay.

 

[MaloK]

I don't how much you paid for your foam at Swiss Tropics.

I bought some on amazon from ALEGI. They have many size available. From 20 to 50 PPI. But 3 inch thick is not on their list. Maybe Doubling the thickness could do.

I never Seen or checked the "high end" Japanese filtration mats... But What I received feels strong and resist to repeated crushing.

In comparison. While it feels slicker than an original Aquaclear sponge, it still has a good backbone.

And the coarseness is on spec, no surprise.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I have a lot of new and used Poret for sale (sheets, cubefilters and 1 tower filter 5x5x10) but unfortunately not the size you want I have 10, mostly 20 and some 30 ppi plus lots of lifters. I am closing down tanks and have a lot of things for sale including tanks, stabds, lids , lights, filters, heaters. I am not big on shipping these days.

I am always willing to pay up for Poret from Stephan because of how it is made. If you can go to a weekend event where he is selling in the venndor room you can save on shipping. He also gave me good advice on what to use where when I first started buying form him.

Reticulated polyurethane foam invented in 1956 made the design possible. Producing reticulated polyurethane foam is a two-step process: regular polyurethane foam is produced and then the membranes of the foam are removed by combustion. This creates a maze of polyhedral cell struts without windows and a very large surface. In terms of weight/volume and specific surface area, polyurethane foams surpass most other filter media.

So, if you get another brand, be sure it is "reticulated polyurethane foam."

 

[MaloK]

Interesting...

I Just checked out the ALEGI brand I suggested, and they are made of reticulated polyurethane too.

I'm pretty sure that it's the industry standard today because of it's inherent ideal properties and durability.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

ATI spongs are not made that way. You can tell is a sponge is gfarily soft when you squeeze it, it is not reticulated.

edited Because I discoverd ATI is reticulated, my mistake. They feel so flimsy to me compared to Poret.

 

[Ceez]

I found a couple local dealers here in California who have it for less than half of the quoted price I got from swiss. 3" thick 30ppi 48"x72" for $238. Thats enough for 9 tanks for me at 24"x16". Save a couple bucks there and spend a few more on my subpanel...it never ends