Sponge Filters by Mike Stoecher May, 9, 1986

I. Design

A. Basic “L” Shape
B. About the same as Tetra Design
C. As in JAKA a few years ago

II. Tools

A. Power Hand Drill
B. 7/32” or 13/64” bit
C. “Snappy Tom” juice can

1. “X” method to center
2. Punch & Drill
3. Sharpen rim
4. Use sanding disk holder to hold can

D. ½” ID Copper Tube ~10” long

1. Sharpen rim
2. Mark limit line

E. Flat Protected Work SurfaceF. Power Saw

1. ¼” tooth exposure
2. If hand power saw, then mount in vice upside down.

G. Tubing Cutter

III. Materials

A. 4” Thick Urathane Foam

1. Use extra dense type
2. NOT foam rubber

B. ¾” PVC (or Exotic from Central Plastics)
C..90º Elbows & Tees in ¾”D. Diffusers

1. Pros - Quiet, better oxygenation
2. Cons - Clogs readily

a. Use bleach and reuse
b. Unless air supply is dirty

E. 1/8” Rigid Air Line Tubing
F. Or Reduces That Come with Diffusers (Better)
G. Nylon TiesH. Suction Cups

IV. Cost (1986)

A. ~$1.50/Each
B. @ 30-40 Filters

V. Flow Rate of 8 - 10 GPHVI. Procedure

A. Size Filter to Tank

1. Top elbow should be level with water surface.
2. ½” - 1” off of bottom

B. Mark and Bore Riser or Core Foam to 1” and then bore riser
C. Leave 1” Between any Adjacent Coring

1. Risk collapse
2. Less as you practice

D. Mark & Cut PVC Pipe
E. Drill Top Elbow
F. Assemble
G. Attach Suction Cups

VII. Operation

A. Saturate Foam Core Under Water
B. Suction to Glass
C. Attach to Air Supply
D. Dope with Peat or Use Peat

VIII. Use with Covers

A. U-Slot Cover for Air Line Entry
B. Allows Removal of Top to Work in Tank
C. Allows Filter Core Change

IX. Alternate Designs

X. Cleaning

A. Bleach Blast for Diseased Tank 24 Hour Max oak Time
B. Hand Rinse Under Running Water Plus Mild Bleach Soaking
C. Gross Rinse, Machine Wash with NO Detergent.