Homemade Sponge filters

[Cowgrl4life]

I'm working on making some homemade sponge filters for my fry tanks I'm setting up. Today I went to the hardware store and picked up PVC and caps for the centers, and sponges for the filter. My question is about the sponge, I found what I think will be an aquarium safe/fish safe sponge but I want to check in here to be sure before I use them. I know they're not as "foam like" as would be ideal but they are at the very least temporary as I'm in a bit of a rush to get the fry tanks set up and cycled. I took a picture of the packaging, it doesn't say anything about having been treated with chemicals or anything, but what do you guys think?

 

[Cowgrl4life]

OK! Sponge filters are done! Here are a few pictures of the finished product.

 

[petluvr]

I don't understand where is the water suppose to flow into the sponge at? Did you drill tiny holes in the pvc?

 

[Cowgrl4life]

Yes, I did. I'm sorry I didn't get pictures of that part LOL

 

[AbbeysDad]

I think you'll find that this type of sponge is not open cell like the foam used in filters so it will likely plug very quickly.
For your next version, maybe go to the LFS and get sponge used in filters (like sponge for an AquaClear 70 or 110) and cut as desired?

 

[DrgRcr]

I looks like you need to add a piece of PVC underneath to raise it up off the bottom a bit. I had made a couple of my own out of replacement AC filter sponges as well and found that they started deteriorated and coming apart in a relatively short time. For the work and effectiveness, I've found that it's just easier to buy manufactured sponge filters. You can get quantity discounts of you buy 6 or more from these places.

http://www.jehmco.com/html/hydro-sponge_filters.html

http://www.kensfish.com/ati-sponge-filters.html

 

[Kaosu]

awesome ! i made my first ones out of dollar store sponges and they worked for a few years before falling apart! they do clog easy but just clean them out with each weekly water change and I had no problem ^_^

love DIY

just make sure you soak and clean the sponges in extremely hot water before using them squeeze and wrens allot

here is the link to what i did http://www.aquariacentral.com/forum...ng-filter-for-my-5-gallon-grow-out&highlight=

 

[platytudes]

Those look really nice, but I'd be calling that 1-800 number on the back to make sure there are no fungicides or mildewcides added. These are common additives in sponges. It usually will say something on the back such as "not intended for aquarium use" - but just for piece of mind, I'd be dialing

 

[The Zigman]

This is the foam you want.
He sells the foam by itself so you can make your own filters, or he sells completed filters.
He sells the foam in pieces big enough to make about 10 filters for $25.

http://www.swisstropicals.com/Poret Cube Filters.html
Look for the link to online ordering, the page I linked you to has pictures of the foam, the store does not.

I only have a few of these filters, and they do work very well, I know someone who has several,and last time I chatted with her, she was very pleased with them as well.

 

[RisiganL.]

I have used the same type of sponge (the grouting kind) and I was pretty happy with it. It does clog rather quickly though. Another type of sponge that I found works well is the kind used in the large Aquaclear filters.