FS DIY Sponge Filter Foam

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toddnbecka

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Dec 17, 2004
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I have 24 pieces 10"x10"x1" on hand, use as-is or cut and stack for custom sponge filters. Several pieces and some eggcrate will make a great mattenfilter/divider.
$2 each + shipping; they only weigh 1.5oz each, so First Class Mail isn't a problem.
 
Here's a few pics, first a macro shot of the surface, then one piece, then 12:
P1020880.jpg

P1020883.jpg

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:topic:And just because they look better than blocks of foam, a pair of water lilies in the backyard pond:
P1020869.jpg
 
I'm used to the blocky stuff, but how would you use this and turn it into filter or divider? Sorry for such a newb question :)
 
For a regular sponge filter, cut into smaller squares (or round, triangle/corner, etc. if you prefer), cut holes in the center for the lift tube, and stack them on the tube. Only thing is, you'll need to cap off the bottom of the tube, but drilling holes all the way up/down the part covered by the foam will increase the flow. Since the pieces come off separately it's easier to rinse them clean.
To make a divider/mattenfilter cut a piece of eggcrate to fit inside the tank. If you cut it a little narrow you can wrap the foam around the sides to cushion the plastic to prevent scratches on glass or acrylic tanks. The best way to secure it would be to "sew" it to the eggcrate with nylon fishing line. Putting the foam on both sides of the eggcrate gives you 2" thickness, enough for a mattenfilter application. Used as a divider in a breeding tank, the fry can be raised in the same tank with the parents, and the mattenfilter stabilizes the water chemistry for partials (or so I've read anyway.) I have heard the arrangement works well for fry sensitive to water changes like A. calvus or compressiceps. It also provides a large surface area for "grazing" by tiny new fry between feedings.
 
Who makes these? If these are the Poret, let me know the shipping for all 12 pieces to zipcode 08054.
 
Mine arrived today, shipped standard first class - (shipped Friday, arrived Monday) thanks!

I use this kind of thing, slightly compressed across its width, in place of a Bio-Bag or similar on a whisper HOB filter. Works with other brands as well, of course. For just mechanical filtration, its a finer pore than the fiber of the bio-bag things, and provides more bacterial surface area, so a used one is great to put on a new tank to seed it. On larger HOB filter models, I'll put the frame that came with the filter in front of it, to keep it from bowing towards the outlet. By cutting it a bit larger than the frame of a bio-bag, the compression keeps it very well "sealed", too.

In terms of pore size, its finer than the block of foam in an Aquaclear HOB power filter.

I'm also going to try this wrapped around the center of an Aquaclear QuickFilter powerhead attachment, for "macro" mechanical filtering.

JUST what I was picturing - excellent!
-Jane

PS - Discusonly, I don't think these were made by an Aquarium Equipment company - in a PM, Todd said "These pieces were originally used for packing lithium ion batteries for shipping."
 
Jane,

Thanks for letting me know and glad that it's working for you. Just keep an eye out when using non-aquarium materials as filter. You don't want to put anything in the tank if it's been chemically treat (for example, fire retardand). The Poret foam are actually not made for aquairum but rather air filtering system.
 
I have no idea who manufactures the foam, but I can't imagine packing material being treated with chemicals, harmful or otherwise. I rinse it out thoroughly (same as sand, coral, or anything else going into my tanks), no problems with it that I've seen.
 
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