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

[msjinkzd]

The lift tubes are superior. I posted pictures of hte holes drilled through the end. This produces about 3x the bubbles I got with either an airstone or a traditional sponge filter.

 

[jflng]

I have some of these filters, but didn't opt for the special lift tubes. I haven't owned them long, but love them so far. I regret not spending the extra few $ to get the "cubelifters".

 

[zachjohnson65]

I have the 20 ppi red cube and a black mat Matten filter from swisstropics in my 55 gallon. If I was to do it again i may spend the extra for the special tubes, finer bubbles would be nice. They never seem to slow in performance as stated on the web site. Also my fish love to graze off them.

 

[jetajockey]

I have a ton of the angelsplus filters (the magnet type) and they look to be the same basic design without that cap on the end to plug the airline into, they just have the PVC tube drilled at an angle so the airline tubing can be pushed down into it and it's snug enough to hold it in place without an airstone or anything. I also have a few of the ATIs and there is definitely a huge difference.

I couldn't bring myself to buying a large sheet and DIYing it since I didn't think up an efficient means to weigh them down. The unglazed tile looks like a win though.

 

[toddnbecka]

My other concern is cleaning the sponges. One thing I really like about the hydrosponges is that the center hole is large enough to fit my thumbs into. I've found that rolling the sponges while squeezing them between my thumbs and fingers in a bucket of tank water to be quick and effective for cleaning them out. I do like the bubbler outlet design though, may have to order a few of them for my mattenfilters.

 

[msjinkzd]

they are only glued in the middle, they are still easy to squeeze and rinse them. The porosity of the foam also allows for it rinse easier than my experiences with the pro series. You should give one a go todd, I was a strict ati advocate until I decided to give these a try. Alot of my ati were nearing replacement time (they were the old style, not the pros and just occluded too fast for me)and I am so glad that I did.

 

[sabbath]

I have been looking to add to my filtration, will have to give these a go! Thanks Rach!

 

[The Zigman]

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

Ha ha!!

Epic!!

I am looking for some sponge filters for all of my 20 gal long tanks, Will definately be considering these now.
What size tanks are you running them in Rach?

 

[msjinkzd]

From 10g-75g