A MUST read for anyone considering the use of Sponge filters for Aquarium, Aquarium Systems, Ponds!
RELATED PRODUCTS
For stand alone filters, please see our Sponge Filter Kit Page with more exact aquarium sizes for stand alone filters.
AQUARIUM PRE-FILTERS: See this page for Sponge Pre filters for your canister, wet/dry, or power filters. Great for live bearer aquariums, baby aquariums, etc. (including replacement sponges)
HYDRO POND FILTERS For Hydro Pond Filters, follow this link
Hydro Pond Filters are also excellent for use in High Flow Aquarium Sumps, Central Systems or similar, or simply very Large Aquariums (either model will out perform ANY HOB Power Filter!).
Rinse and squeeze the sponge under water and slip the sponge on the strainer. Directions for use with a air stone (optional): Connect air stone to the bottom of the bull's eye, then connect bull's eye to the top of the strainer. Then connect air line tubing to the bulls eye on the sponge filter and the other end of the air line tubing to an air pump.
Suggestions for air pump applications:
Here is a diagram/picture showing how to connect an air diffuser to the bulls eye of a Hydro Sponge Filter. Also air line and lift tube connections.
Please click on the pictures to enlarge for a better view
*The sponge usually will try and float when new (it will gain more weight over a few weeks as beneficial nitrifying bacteria form), I often will brace the Sponge Filter with dιcor/rocks for at least the first few weeks.
*The optional air diffusers will slightly increase flow and lower water surface agitation, however they are not required for proper sponge filter function (when run with an air pump)
Directions for use with a power head:
Using an SunSun Power Head Pump for demonstration purposes
Picture 1- Basic:
Picture 2- Advanced with Lift Tube: Suggestions for power head applications;
*Often I secure the power head/sponge combination to the aquarium with dιcor/rocks (this also hides the sponge from view) as well as the suction holders available with most power heads.
*The Strainer attachment of the Via Aqua 480 (or similar pump) can be further tightened to the cone shaped adapter by wrapping 4-5 windings of Teflon tape around the base of the strainer, than adding the cone adapter over the strainer and Teflon tape. After this forcing the cone shaped adapter firmly into the lift tube or directly into the Sponge Filter (minus the bulls-eye) should result in a good fit.
MAINTENANCE:
Rinse the sponge with cool, running water weekly. Do not use hot or cold water as this will destroy the bacteria which colonize the sponge. Do not use soap or detergent when rinsing the sponge.
BASICS;
When your Sponge Filter is attached to an air pump, the rising column of air in the tube pulls water with it.
You can measure the water flow by slightly tilting the filter with the top of the outflow just above the aquarium water line and timing the fill rate into a pitcher or gallon jug. If it fills the jug in 30 seconds, you multiply 2 times per minute times 60 or 120 gallons per hour.
You can also add an air stone to the end of your tubing in the outflow tube to produce more bubbles and more lift.
When attached to a power head, the pump pulls the water thru the sponge media.
OTHER PRODUCTS
For ALL your Aquarium or Pond UV-C Sterilizer Replacement Bulb needs:
By Lustar
*Capable of moving more water than other sponge filters.
*One inch diameter lift tube allows for high volume water flow and allows use of power head without adapters
*Raised off bottom, no dead space.
*Heavier base.
*Can be used in the vertical or horizontal position.
*Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze in used aquarium water (never tap water).
*Made from Patented reticulated filter foam for higher flow rates and larger bacterial colonies, no other sponge filter compares!
*Extra sponges can be purchased and kept in the aquarium for quick bio-cycling of new aquariums, hospital tanks, or replacement of the old sponge when worn out
*The HydroSponge Filter provides both mechanical and biological filtration. Aerobic bacteria colonize the sponge providing a bacterial substrate to facilitate the nitrogen cycle.
*In addition, the Hydro-Sponge traps waste particles mechanically cleaning the water without trapping the baby fish.
*Excels as a small tank or bowl filter, especially for bettas which have fins that can get easily trapped in HOB or other filter intakes.
*Excels as a breeding filter, as baby (fry) are not trapped by sponge filters and the Hydro Sponge #1 & #5 Stackable allows for additional filtration and hiding places for fry
*Excels as a Discus filter, angelfish filter, hospital filter, or back up filter. Even as the Primary filter for larger aquariums (two #5 Hydro Sponge filters of #5 + stackable can easily handle a 75 gallon aquarium); also consider using Hydro Pond Filters in larger aquariums and sumps (see link in the left side bar))
Our maintenance companies have used these filters in Marine/ Reef aquariums (with live rock, generally in sumps ), with GREAT results!
FIVE SIZES & REPLACEMENT SPONGES: Please note that the size tank given is the size (gallons) that we have used these filters UP TO, generally with more than one and is based on my real world experience using these filters.
Also note that we provide the size of each different SPONGE, the height of the entire sponge filter can be varied by cutting the 5 inch lift tube or adjusting the 1.75 inch base/step. As an example, the COMPLETE #1 Sponge Filter with base/step, sponge, and uncut lift tube can be as high as 9 inches out of the box.
(Click pictures to enlarge for a better view)
Hydrosponge Mini -$5.99 Jump to Shopping Cart
*Sponge Size; 2.25" H x 3" W (Recommended for 2 gal. up to 10 gal.)
*Over all height 3" to 8" depending upon whether lift tube is used
*Lift Tube, as with all Hydro Sponge Filters, can be removed or cut for small Betta Bowls
Hydrosponge Filter 1 -$5.99 Special; (6) for $32.99Jump to Shopping Cart
*Sponge Size; 2" H x 3-3/4" W (Recommended for 5 gal. up to 15 gal.)
Hydro Sponge 1 Stackable -$4.89Jump to Shopping Cart
*Great for adding on to your existing Hydro Sponge Filter (models 1 & 3) for breeding tanks (makes a great place to hide for fry between layers).
*Multiple layers can be added.
Hydro Sponge Filter 5 - $9.69 Special; (6) for $54.99Jump to Shopping Cart
*Sponge Size; 4" H x 5-3/4" W (30 gal. up to 100 gal)
(For even larger aquariums or large aquarium sumps with flow rates up to 1500 gph, consider the Hydro Pond Filters; see the link near the bottom of the page)
Hydro Sponge 5 Stackable -$7.89Jump to Shopping Cart
*Great for adding on to your existing Hydro Sponge Filter (model 5) for breeding tanks (makes a great place to hide for fry between layers).
*Multiple layers can be added.
Hydro Sponge Filter #5 PRO - $12.29 Special; (6) for $70.99Jump to Shopping Cart
*Sponge Size; 4" H x 5-3/4" W (Recommended for 40 gal. up to 125 gal flow rates up to 400 gph)
*New high Flow reticulated sponge for higher bio loads that tend to clog regular sponge filters!
*Up to 125 gal. and flow rates up to 700 gph Back To Top
For even larger aquariums (up to 200-250 gallons depending upon model) or large aquarium sumps with flow rates up to 1500 gph, consider the Hydro Pond Filters; Hydro Pond Filter; For Aquariums too
Compare the REAL price of our Hydro Sponge filters to others AFTER shipping as our flat rate shipping is often less than others (example: a $7.69 #3 filter is not cheaper than ours when the other site charges $8.95 for shipping and we charge $7.45 shipping for a filter that is .50 more)
SPONGE FILTER ACCESSORIES, SPONGES, PARTS Sponge Replacement Mini-$1.49
Sponge Replacement 1-$1.89
Sponge Replacement 2 (fits Filter-Max II also)-$1.99
The Hydro Lift Tube provides for more thorough circulation for tall aquariums utilizing either air driven or power head driven sponge filters
18 inches in length and includes two rigid airline connectors and two air diffusers (for operation with air pumps, these parts are not for use with power head)
See second picture for a diagram on how to connect these for air driven applications
Usable with most under gravel filters too
Easily cut to height with a hack saw or similar
Other parts available:
(Normally included with a new Hydro Sponge Filter)
(Please click picture to enlarge) Bulls Eye- $1.39
Male Strainer- $1.39
Female Strainer- $1.39
(Both Male & Female Strainer Fit Filter Max as well) Step (Extension)- $1.39 Jump to Shopping Cart
.
Base- $2.99
5" lift tube- $.99
Set of two Air Diffusers - $.99
(not included with filters) Bulk Air Diffusers, 100 Count - $29.99 Jump to Shopping Cart
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AQUARIUM PRE-FILTERS: See this page for Sponge Pre filters for your canister, wet/dry, or power filters. Great for live bearer aquariums, baby aquariums, etc. (including replacement sponges)
HYDRO POND FILTERS For Hydro Pond Filters, follow this link
Million Air Pumps for air pumps, tubing and valves for your Hydro Sponge filter.
For ALL your Aquarium or Pond UV-C Sterilizer Replacement Bulb needs:
