MissNoodle
- #1
I make my own minI sponge filters for my smaller tanks, enough to process a cycle but also not take up valuable swim space.
These are great for tanks smaller than 3 gallons, with fish such as bettas as they have very little flow.
Materials used:
Prefilter sponge (I prefer the small black Fluval ones, they blend better in my background, but any kind can be used)
Siphon Tubing
Air Pump
Airline Tubing
Clip-style suction cup (1-2 is all you should need)
Knife or scissors
Steps:
--Cut your siphon tubing, you will need a section that fits inside your prefilter sponge, and then 2-3 inches outside of the sponge. Make sure the cut edge has no sharp edges that could cut fish.
--Cut slots alternating on each side for the part of the tube covered by sponge. This will maximize flow through your sponge. **Do not cut slots into the exposed part of the tubing, this will leak air out**
--You can leave the sponge square or cut to a rounder shape if you wish.
--Insert tubing into your prefilter sponge. If loose, you can choose to secure it by wrapping elastic band around the top of the sponge, but this is optional.
--Place airline tubing into tube, stopping it just above the sponge.
--Take your suction cup and secure it to the airline hose, just above the opening to keep the airline in position.
**photo process was done during water change, note the air is pushing water out of the top of the hose, showing the filter is working**
(Also, pardon my algae, snails aren't snailing)
--Make sure airline is attached to air pump, place the filter in the tank at your desired location and let it filter. Maintain it by squeezing out the sponge during your weekly water changes.
All set up in my betta girl's 2.5gal. Always cycle the sponge before adding fish. These can be easily seeded by using them for at least 3 weeks in an established tank as a proper prefilter and then used as a main filter in the new tank.
These are great for tanks smaller than 3 gallons, with fish such as bettas as they have very little flow.
Materials used:
Prefilter sponge (I prefer the small black Fluval ones, they blend better in my background, but any kind can be used)
Siphon Tubing
Air Pump
Airline Tubing
Clip-style suction cup (1-2 is all you should need)
Knife or scissors
Steps:
--Cut your siphon tubing, you will need a section that fits inside your prefilter sponge, and then 2-3 inches outside of the sponge. Make sure the cut edge has no sharp edges that could cut fish.
--Cut slots alternating on each side for the part of the tube covered by sponge. This will maximize flow through your sponge. **Do not cut slots into the exposed part of the tubing, this will leak air out**
--You can leave the sponge square or cut to a rounder shape if you wish.
--Insert tubing into your prefilter sponge. If loose, you can choose to secure it by wrapping elastic band around the top of the sponge, but this is optional.
--Place airline tubing into tube, stopping it just above the sponge.
--Take your suction cup and secure it to the airline hose, just above the opening to keep the airline in position.
**photo process was done during water change, note the air is pushing water out of the top of the hose, showing the filter is working**
(Also, pardon my algae, snails aren't snailing)
--Make sure airline is attached to air pump, place the filter in the tank at your desired location and let it filter. Maintain it by squeezing out the sponge during your weekly water changes.
All set up in my betta girl's 2.5gal. Always cycle the sponge before adding fish. These can be easily seeded by using them for at least 3 weeks in an established tank as a proper prefilter and then used as a main filter in the new tank.
