Jaykit Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I'm going to be setting up my 55 gallon tank as a grow out tank for all the fry that keep showing up in my tanks and I'd like to get some sponge filters. 1. Should I get 1 large one or 2 smaller ones? 2. Where did you get yours from? 3. How long do they take to 'culture' if I dump in some leftovers from my other tank filters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANA T Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I picked mine up on ebay at a good price, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
syno321 Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I would seriously consider a mattenfilter. They do an excellent job and also provide small live foods for the fry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I agree with syno321 go with a mattenfilter. You can get Poret foam from AngelFins, one of the sponsors for AA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoopkamol Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I just use AC110 filters cut to length i require. works good for me and fairly cheap. i always have at least one running in my sump so i have a cycled filter ready to go any time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McTurtle Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 I picked up my most recent ones from Angelfins. They're poret foam & seem very well built compared to the LFS version. Sorry, I don't have any advice for your other questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaykit Posted June 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 Did a little reading up on the mattenfilter. Looks like I can go with a 20" x 7.5" size mat if I go with a corner style(5" radius). For anyone else looking to try this, I found a really good post on the mattenfilters here: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?79104-Hamburger-Mattenfilter-HMF What are the opinions on powerhead vs airlift? I'm leaning towards the powerhead myself as according to the calculations I need around 450 L/HR turnover to make this thing function properly and I'm not sure the airlift would be able to achieve that or have the force to push the water all the way to the other side of the tank. Based on this, I was thinking about getting a powerhead around 600 L/HR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 I run both powered and air-driven and like both. I have one tank that has an air-driven mattenfilter at each end, a way to get enough flow for a 4' tank. Other 4'+ tanks are powered (powerhead, canister or pump). My preference is to cover the entire end, as I find it a lot easier to DIY for a tight fit - just cut it and shove it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 Do they sell just the filter separately from lift tubes?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 Yep. AngelFins and Spencer Jack both carry full sheets. I think AngelFins may carry cut pieces as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigs Posted June 24, 2014 Report Share Posted June 24, 2014 Yes, angelfins carries precut or full sheets, kits include the lifter as well. Sizes if I recall are 5/10/20 and maybe 30g sizes. It's cut large to fit any 20G for example. Otherwise, I agree with everyone on the mattenfilters. Once setup they work very well, can handle large bio loads without issue. I did try the DIY lifter method and found the commercial ones much more effective, so have switched all of mine over. Presently running 20+ tanks with this setup. 5x20G 7x10G 4x5G 7x2.5G for mechanical filtration I simply add a hob filter and move it once daily or as required. cheers, Tigs (Antonio) PS depending on how many you are looking at installing, a very important item is having enough air output from your pump to make them work properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
syno321 Posted June 25, 2014 Report Share Posted June 25, 2014 I've never run mine on powerheads and they work fine with air. One thing to be aware of is there is such a thing as too much water flow. The bacteria in the filter need contact time with the waste products like ammonia to process them, and too rapid a flow can hinder the efficiency of the bacteria colony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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