swiss tropicals "block" filter vs. ATI pro series sponge filter

[msjinkzd]

I am in the process of changing out all my sponge filters for Swiss Tropicals "Block" filters. I cannot get over the difference in the bubble output and efficiency. I took a few pictures today to share with everyone.

Here is a picture of the foam block. Its mounted on an unglazed tile and sinks right away.


This is the lift tube. The grey part has a piece where you attach the airline and then its sunk into the precut X in the foam. The fine holes in teh grey piece take the place of using an airstone (which always end up occluding for me) and make a great fine bubble output:


A picture of the bubble output on the new swiss tropicals filter:



Here is a picture of a proseries sponge (no lift tube, but it has the airstone....cories tend to try and spawn INSIDE the lift tube and get stuck so its been removed in this tank):

 

[toddnbecka]

Why use an airstone on the ATI sponge filter? I had an issue with BN pleco's and the tubes too, but a small piece of plastic canvas will keep fish out w/out reducing the flow rate too much. Poret foam is good stuff, but simply too expensive for a whole fishroom full of tanks IMO.

 

[msjinkzd]

I use the airstone to diffuse the bubbles. It reduces the noise and also increases the amount of fine bubbles.

These are very reasonably priced, I think about $7 each (but he does bulk deals too). The ATI proseries of comparable size is $6.75

 

[Star_Rider]

looks good Rach

 

[authmal]

How do you know what size sponge filter you should get?

 

[platytudes]

Wow, that's awesome! What a difference. The cost seems extremely reasonable to me, and easily DIY able too.

Are you worried that your fishroom is going to get considerably noisier with the increased bubble output? They have some very creative solutions these days for sound proofing. Even simple cork tiles work wonders, and make handy bulletin boards http://www.buzzispace.com/buzzispot-3d.php

 

[msjinkzd]

i think it will be quieter, to be honest. The fine bubbles make less noise than the bigger ones and provide better oxygenation.

Plus its in the basement, so no worries!

 

[FINJOY]

HI, WHERE CAN THEY BE PURCHASED???PLEASE RESPOND BACK TO VINNYSANGELFISH@AOL.COM THANKS...

 

[platytudes]

This is where to buy them: http://www.swisstropicals.com/Poret%20Cube%20Filters.html

 

[mellowvision]

This is where to buy a replacement caps lock key http://www.welovemacs.com/pbkg4keycplok.html