Super simple 5 minute sponge filter

[guppymommy]

This is such a great idea! I can't wait to try it!

 

[samyboy]

ive at last done one just to aid filteration works a treat though if particles ever get blown around by the corys you can see some of them getting sucked down.......do doubt its full of sand though

 

[guppymommy]

I emptied out a food container today! I'm going to the lfs tomorrow to get a sponge and I'll set to work on making this filter (I have all the parts but the sponge). My fry tank will love it and I won't have to worry about the molly and platy fry being sucked into the filter anymore (the guppies NEVER get sucked into the filter, but the molly and platy fry do )!

 

[Brine Shrimp Flesh!]

I have a question,

My fry tank is just a small goldfish bowl. Can I just use a small black film canistar instead? And the sponge, can you use the one which you use for washing up? If so, the yellow or green part?

Regards

 

[ChrisC]

I doubt that film canister is chemically inert. Go for something food grade.

 

[Brine Shrimp Flesh!]

Right o, thanks.

 

[Kurosakii]

Hey I got a question
My air pump that I got form a neighbour who moved away blows out air. And in this guide it says to put the tube thingy into the bigger tube, yet, hwo does the air pump work if it blows out air. I mean, the dirty crap would have to be sucked into the sponge right? Not blown out through the air of the pump. And I was kidna confused how the air from the pump is pushed out wouldnt that mean, air is blown out form below instead of sucking dirty stuff in? Just a question. I havent got 5 mins to do it XD. Exams = =

Hey I got a question
My air pump that I got form a neighbour who moved away blows out air. And in this guide it says to put the tube thingy into the bigger tube, yet, hwo does the air pump work if it blows out air. I mean, the dirty crap would have to be sucked into the sponge right? Not blown out through the air of the pump. And I was kidna confused how the air from the pump is pushed out wouldnt that mean, air is blown out form below instead of sucking dirty stuff in? Just a question. I havent got 5 mins to do it XD. Exams = =

Btw: is the blue thing at the end of the tube the lift tube? Like does that make the pump suck in air or something o.o.

 

[Fishy412]

just how much filtration does this thing provide? i want to add something like it to my 10 gallon that im having trouble with

 

[OohFeeshy]

Hey I got a question
My air pump that I got form a neighbour who moved away blows out air. And in this guide it says to put the tube thingy into the bigger tube, yet, hwo does the air pump work if it blows out air. I mean, the dirty crap would have to be sucked into the sponge right? Not blown out through the air of the pump. And I was kidna confused how the air from the pump is pushed out wouldnt that mean, air is blown out form below instead of sucking dirty stuff in? Just a question. I havent got 5 mins to do it XD. Exams = =

It works in the same sort of way under gravel filters work. The airbubbles move water up the tube. If no more water moved up, there would be a vacuum, and vacuums are advioded in nature. So water is sucked up to fill the gap, and it carries on. And the dirt is carried by the water.

just how much filtration does this thing provide? i want to add something like it to my 10 gallon that im having trouble with

It's mainly for bio filtration, so power filters are better, but if you want one for, say, a QT tank, just up the scale a bit, eg, use a coke bottle instead of a fish food container.

 

[diburning]

How do you keep the sponge from floating? I can't seem to make it stay in lol.

 

[Kurosakii]

Is a lift tube necessary? cos' the LFS doesn't sell them o.o...

 

[diburning]

Is a lift tube necessary? cos' the LFS doesn't sell them o.o...

I use a Lee's 1 inch thinwall. They are sold in 3 foot lengths. Cut off a foot with a utility knife or a saw (don't use regular knives or scissors because then it would crack and break)

I'm having a small problem... Here in the USA, all food canisters are made like pringles tubes... A cardbaord roll with metal or plastic attached at both ends. I dumped out a container of food then started stripping the outer label then eventually I stripped al the way to the inside of the canister and ruined it.

I have a hikari FD bloodworms container but there's no label. The stuff is printed on the plastic. I'm not sure if thats safe. I called hikari about it and they had no idea.

 

[killerwhale]

sososososo creative

 

[diburning]

I doubt that film canister is chemically inert. Go for something food grade.

a film canister will be fine. TFH magazine had instructions for a DIY Spawning mop and a 35mm film canister was used to hold the yarn together to keep the mop's shape.

 

[guppymommy]

I made this filter (twice now). The first time I used Ammo-Carb and placed it in the bottom of the food canister. It worked okay, but some of the carbon came up through the tubing. It still worked great though. The second time I made it, I had a brief moment of genius. I have been using ladie's kneehighs to cover the intake on my filters for the fry tank (to prevent the fry from being sucked in). I decided I'd also use the kneehighs to hold the Ammo-Carb. Here's what I did.

I went to Wal-Mart and purchased a bubble of kneehighs.

I cut off a portion of kneehighs (enough to stretch around the food container with a bit extra for tying) and tied a knot in one end.

I then filled it with the Ammo-Carb and tied the other end.

I rinsed it until the water was clear and then stretched the contraption around the tube.

I then inserted the tube into the food container.

It added maybe two minutes or so to the 5 minute construction time. It prevents the carbon/gravel from floating out of the container. I absolutely love this filter and it works well without the addition of my genius.