Sponge filters and airstones and flow

[TKC747]

Hi gang, I have a question about the Sponge filter. As you may know, some sponge filters do not come with an airstone. I was wondering if using an airstone will increase flow or most probably will decrease flow? Anyone with a scientific mind? The finer the bubbles, the more oxygenation? This is probably a myth?

just for new people, this last paragraph: I got my first set of sponge filters and prefilters ( now I feel like a real professional --Tongue in Cheek) I was also worried about the flow and I got to say also that marineland is annoying for one reason, the newer penguins and the emperors all have rectangular intakes making it impossible to use the sponge pre-filter ( just a beef I have about it all) the adapters from the manufacturers of the sponges did not include a rectangular adapter, although my canister filter will take a pre filter because it is round (the intake i mean)

[fischfan13]

Adding an airstone decreases the noise of the bubbles...big time.
Also, you do not get that "splattering", which means the possibility of not losing water as quickly.

[TKC747]

Okay, thanks.:ty: good point about the noise and H2O loss

I'm glad I added the sponges because the fish seem to be more active. More oxygen I guess. Ever since I moved the HOB filter to another tank, there hasn't been much surface agitation with the canister filter

[twisted fisher]

my sponge filters have inner air rings that go around the lift tube that takes the place of the stone

[TKC747]

Very Cool, where dja get those?:coool!:

[phillyofish]

post a pic twisted...

[twisted fisher]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Aquarium-Biochemical-Sponge-Filter-Fish-Tank-Air-Pump_W0QQitemZ160417309511QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item25599de347

These are the ones i got. I ordered them from china and for the price i was more then willing to wait on them. When i got mine the shipping was .99 too lol i ordered 7 of them for 14 bucks!!!!

if you look where the air line comes in to it theres like a black ring that goes around under the lift tube. that is where the air holes are at on the inside that eliminates the need of the air stone.

ive tried to get a picture of it and cant see the tiny holes.

IMPO these filter work great i have no other filtration in any of my tanks that have these and the water is crystal clear and no chemicals are added. The bio factor is great and ive had no problems with them at all!

[TKC747]

Thanks TWisted Fisher!!!:ty:

[emartin]

With ATI Sponge Filters, Jungle, and Elite Hagen sponge filters you do not need to use an airstone.

I actually prefer to NOT use air stones on sponge filters that share a common air source. What tends to happen is the air stone clogs with debris and creates resistance to the air source, which just moves on to the next air stone and can sometimes stop air flow to that particular sponge altogether.

[TKC747]

With ATI Sponge Filters, Jungle, and Elite Hagen sponge filters you do not need to use an airstone.

I actually prefer to NOT use air stones on sponge filters that share a common air source. What tends to happen is the air stone clogs with debris and creates resistance to the air source, which just moves on to the next air stone and can sometimes stop air flow to that particular sponge altogether.

Thanks, it is quite noisy though... I guess you just have to change airstones once in a while if you want to keep the noise under control. I'm going to get an airstone to see what it looks like

[Bweb]

The air stone actually creates more bubbles which creates more water flow through the sponge I prefer the ATI style filters they are not as noisy as the other type. the other thing to consider is the height of the lift tube the higher it is the more of a venture affect it has and you also get more flow I keep mine about an inch from the top of the water level.

[TKC747]

the other thing to consider is the height of the lift tube the higher it is the more of a venture affect it has and you also get more flow I keep mine about an inch from the top of the water level.

BWEB, what is a "venture effect", what do you mean by that?:confused3:

[Bweb]

the taller the lift tube is it allows the water to increase its speed on its way up like a siphon. the faster the water moves the more flow you get through the sponge increasing your gallons per hour.

Their are a few good videos out their on setting up a sponge filter they actually show you how to measure the gallons per hour buy tilting the filter at an angle at the surface of the water and letting it flow into a bucket. I'll see if I can find the link.

[TKC747]

Thanks, that makes sense:ty::ty::ty: