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StereoKills
09-16-2007, 12:04 AM
I'm looking to get a new sponge filter for my 10g. What I have in there right now is a air pump powered Penn-Plax SWF-1. Not really liking it at all, considering it's got carbon and zeolite in the cartridge. I've been looking at Lustar sponge filters at Big Al's, but what do they get the air from? The tube at the top looks like its too big to be for a air pump. :newbie:
Thanks!

ThePBM
09-16-2007, 12:21 AM
Hydrosponges work by sticking a small airline hose down that big tube you see, and that small airline connects to something at the bottom of that big tube. when you pump air down that small tube, it comes out at the bottom of the big tube (inside of it) and the air bubbles come up and out of the big tube along the same path the airline hose is going down.
You will definitely need a stronger air pump than the one that came with your pennplaxx.

However, with the cost of an air pump along with a hydrosponge, you could easily get an appropriately sized HOB filter for a 10 gal for about the same price, under $20. Unless you're raising fry, or shrimp that don't like current, the HOB will have a much better turnover rate for your tank and won't have the annoying bubble sounds and splashing of a sponge filter.

StereoKills
09-16-2007, 12:29 AM
Yeah, it's for my shrimp tank. Just about all the filters I've used before were HOB's, but I don't want to use them with my little shrimpies. No prob on the air pump though, I've got a couple of those around including the one powering the pos that's in the tank now, which is a Elite 800 (is that powerful enough?). Thanks for clarifying things!

ThePBM
09-16-2007, 12:33 AM
In that case i would strongly recommend you get a Dirt Magnet, the triangle one. That is what i personally use in my 10gal cherry shrimp tank. There are always shrimp on it eating whatever it is they like to eat.

Mgamer20o0
09-16-2007, 12:36 AM
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp19170/si1379358/cl0/lustarhydrospongefilter3

i use Lustar Hydro-Sponge Filter.

i also have a hob on my shrimp tank with a sponge over the intake. no problems yet.

ThePBM
09-16-2007, 12:50 AM
i tried to use a hydrosponge on my 10 gal but it was too tall. i would pretty much have to fill my tank to the brim for it to work well or cut down that big tube.

nycsicktank
09-16-2007, 12:58 AM
heres my diy sponge filter. bare with me its ugly but it works great!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b221/fkyounggs/Picture006-1.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b221/fkyounggs/Picture005.jpg

Viettxboii
09-17-2007, 1:08 AM
how does that one work...?

Mgamer20o0
09-17-2007, 1:54 AM
dont see a power head so i guess air.