Sponge Filter

[mrp3]

Im making a sponge filter and just had two questions. What is the point of the airstone and is it better to use one and how large should the sponge be for a ten gallon tank?


Thanks!

 

[Tolak]

I've never bothered with airstones on all my sponge filters. Filter size depends on stocking.

 

[mrp3]

It's going to be in my fry tank so it's going to be a female and then it will be like 15-30 fry for 1-2 months or until a female is pregnant again

 

[Tolak]

It sort of depends on the size of foam you have available. Most all of the ones I've made are cubes of foam, about 3 1/2". You could easily get by with smaller in a tank that size, I use that size in everything from 5 gallon to 40 gallon tanks, though I will double up on them in the 40's if it's stocked heavily.

 

[mrp3]

Can I Use a sponge I bought at publix

 

[Tolak]

You're going to want to use what is called open cell sponge. Most sponges found at stores are closed cell, they are designed to hold water. Open cell doesn't hold water, allowing it to flow through. That being said, I've seen plenty of people use the dogbone shaped car wash sponges as pre-filters for power heads & so on. They won't hold the amount of bacteria as an open cell sponge would, and aren't as durable, but do work.

Of biggest concern with sponges is getting them without any anti-bacterial agents. Many kitchen sponges come treated with this, as you don't want to grow bacteria in your kitchen clean up efforts. With the car wash sponges bacteria is not a concern when washing your car, so they are not treated in this manner.

You can often find larger pieces of open cell sponge sold as pond filters, most cheap cushion foam sold for upholstery is also open cell. With the cushion foam get the cheapest available, the concern there is fire retardants, something you don't want to put in your tank.

 

[mrp3]

Do u think it will work anyways though

 

[mrp3]

It is supposed to be a handy sponge and it is meant for doing tasks outdoors

 

[Tolak]

Hard to say without seeing it, or at least having a link to the product.

 

[mrp3]

How can I tell if a sponge Is open or closed celled?

 

[Tolak]

Cushion or pond filter sponge will be open, sponges for cleaning uses will be closed. Closed will hold water, you can squeeze water out after soaking, it just runs out of open cell.

 

[mrp3]

I think mine is closed cell but it is for doing outdoor tasks such as car washing so do you think it would work?

 

[Tolak]

It should, just not as well as open cell.

 

[orandas]

I think mine is closed cell but it is for doing outdoor tasks such as car washing so do you think it would work?

But is it worth the risk? Especially if it 'may' have non-fish friendly additives/colourings added to it. Personally i wud get those sponges that are for filter cannisters or pond filters etc Then you'll get a good night sleep......

 

[mrp3]

I had already decided I was gonna get an open cell from the dollar store still wondering about putting in the airstone though. ???