Clear Filter

Sponge Filters, Myths and Truths of This Type of Filtration for Aquariums and Ponds

I have read several posts in forums and especially Yahoo answers about Sponge Filters. There is still a lot of misinformation about how a sponge works and is powered along with what they can and cannot do.

There are several models of sponge filters (and several brands, not all are even close to equal). There are sponge filters that work as pre filters for canister filters or HOB filters (where they substantially improve bio filtration during cartridge changes (not to mention they extend the life of filter cartridges allow less frequent changes). There are also sponge filters that work in ponds, aquarium sumps, or work as sponge filters for larger aquariums (the Hydro Pond ).

Where some of the misinformation comes in is how they are powered, many can be or are powered by pumps or power heads not just air pumps.

Another source of misinformation is their capacity as compared to other filters. You cannot compare a small cheap sponge filter model to an Aqua Clear 50 HOB filter. However a Hydro Sponge #5 (powered by a proper air pump (such as a ReSun 9602 ) or a power head (such as a Via Aqua 480 or larger) will easily match the Aqua Clear 50 in bio capacity (or usually exceed it) and mechanical filtration (often chemical filtration is not necessary in a healthy established aquarium, I only use carbon in new aquariums or sometimes after treatment).

The Hydro Pond II or IV will easily exceed the Aqua Clear 110.

All these sponge filters cost much less besides!

And finally another source of misinformation is on comparing all sponge filters as the same. I have used many different models and they are not even close to bio capacity or even flow rate with the same pump (air or water) attached (I have “clocked” the fill rate in a measuring cup of different brand “seasoned” sponge filters and found definite variations). I will admit to trying different brands for cost assuming a sponge was a sponge, however I quickly noticed the difference and then switched to knock offs of Hydro Sponge until I found out about patent infringements. There is a reason that there are so many patent infringements on Hydro Sponge, they work!

For my full article, please visit this site:

Sponge Filtration (Aquarium and Pond)

About the Author

By Carl Strohmeyer

Aquarium Information

Clear Fuel Filter $10.95 Drag Specialties Clear Fuel Filter Glass filters feature chrome ends Available in two inlet sizes 1/4" or 5/16" i.d., and in mini (1 3/8") and standard (2 3/8") lengths Replacement filter elements available

Filter Basket for Aqua Clear 110 and 500 Filters $4.99 Replacement filter basket for the Aqua Clear 110 (old 500) Power Filter.

Clear Fuel Filter Replacement Element $2.95 Drag Specialties Clear Fuel Filter Replacement Element Replacement element for Drag Specialties clear fuel filter Available in short and long lengths

12 Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter System $199.99 12" Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter System

FMDWS1500 1500 Gallon Clear Water Filter $199 1500 Gallon Clear Water Filter System

Filter Case for Aqua Clear 70 and 300 Filters $15.99 This is the replacement filter casing for Aqua Clear 70 and 300 filters.

Filter Basket for Aqua Clear 70 and 300 Filters $5.49 This is the replacement filter basket for the Aqua Clear 70 and 300 filters.

Filter Case for Aqua Clear 110 and 500 Filters $27.99 This is the replacement filter case for the Aqua Clear 110 and 500 power filters.

Impeller Assembly for Aqua Clear 50 & 200 Filter $9.09 The Impeller is the only moving part of the Aqua Clear filter. With proper maintenance it will rarely need replaced. This is the impeller for the Aqua Clear 50 and 200 filter.

SANYO VCP-F02PU Clear Protection Filter $32.99 0.30" 0.31 oz 40.50 mm Sanyo Camcorders: VCP-HD2000A VPC-HD2000 VPC-HD1010 VPC-HD1000 The SANYO clear filter for the VCP-HD2000A, VPC-HD2000, VPC-HD1010 and VPC-HD1000 is perfect for protecting the permanent lens from getting scratched. The VCP-F02PU easily attaches to the permanent lens on the camera with a threaded screw mount. Filter Not Applicable Protection SANYO SANYO Electric Co.,Ltd VCP-F02PU VCP-F02PU Clear Protection Filter www.sanyo.com

Impeller Assembly for Aqua Clear 150 Filter $8.69 The Impeller is the only moving part of the Aqua Clear filter. With proper maintenance it will rarely need replaced. This is the replacement Impeller assembly for the Aqua Clear 30 and 150 filters.

9.5 in./240 mm Filter Clear Blitz Driving $24.99 240 lights;Clear;240 mm;Driving beam;Ideal to illuminate a work area 9.5 in./240 mm Filter Clear Blitz Driving

Polystrand Filter Pad Set for Ocean Clear 319 $23.99 This is the replacement media for the Ocean Clear 319 Filter. The package contains 7 white notched circular filter pads with the centers cut out, 1 white notched circular filter pad without the hole in the center and 1 off-white circular coarse filter pad for a total of 9 pads.

Large Quick Filter Aqua Clear $9.79 The AquaClear Quick Filter for Powerheads removes particles as small as 1 micron, keeping your fresh or saltwater tank clean and crystal clear. It is also ideal for polishing water after maintenance. Size: 2.5" diameter x 7.5" high

Reliable T1FILTER Filter for Steamboy CLEAR $21.26 The replaceable Reliable Steamboy T1 Filter will keep your Steamboy steam mop working at maximum efficiency. The demineralizing crystals clean the water before it enters the pump keeping the internal system working at its best. The Reliable Steamboy T1 Filter should be replaced every 6 months > 1 year depending on usage. Removes in seconds. Powerful demineralizing crystals. Color: Clear.

Slant/Fin RFP-55 Replacement Filter Pack for Puri-Clear 55 $6.99 Slant/Fin RFP-55 Replacement Filter Pack for Puri-Clear 55

Filter Case Cover for Aqua Clear 110 and 500 Filters $7.99 This is the replacement filter case cover for the Aqua Clear 110 and 500 power filters.

CLEAR 2.0 / NE CW CWF1012 CLEAR-2-O SINGLE FILTER / CWF1012 $21.5 CLEAR 2.0 - NE CW CWF1012 CLEAR-2-O SINGLE FILTER - CWF1012

Replacement Cartridge for Ocean Clear Filter 340 - 40 ft. $58.99 A filter pleat used in a 340 Ocean Clear Filter. Used to filter out large particulate matter before being sent to a corresponding biological filter. Easily rinsed off and reused.

Amana 12527304 Clean and Clear Refrigerator Filter $59.24 The Amana Clean and Clear 12527304 refrigerator water filter produces cleaner and better tasting drinking and cooking water. The Amana 12527304 water filters reduce chlorine taste and odor as well as sediment. The Amana 12527304 reduces 99 of Cysts Turbidity Lead Chlorine and Asbestos. This Amana filter does not remove Fluoride. The Amana refrigerator water filter 12527304 also reduces 2 4D Atrazine and Lindane. The Amana 12527304 filter is tested and certified by NSF International to meet NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53. The Amana 12527304 refrigerator filter has a simple Twiston and Twistoff design for easy water filter replacement.

Bunn 39000.0002 Easy Clear Water Filter EQHP25L $210.24 Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Design is stylish and innovative. Satisfaction Ensured. Great Gift Idea. Easy Clear Water Filter high performance for sediment taste and odor systems.

CWF1012 Clear 2O Replacement $17 Clear 2O Water Replacement Filter Single Pack For Clear 2O Pitcher

Filter Wool Mechanical Filter Media - 5.3 oz. $5.99 Laguna Filter Wool is an effective mechanical filter media that removes fine particles and prevents other filter media from clogging. Filter wool contributes to polishing pond water and helps produce ultra clear conditions.

Large Capacity Fuel Filter $3.5 Visu-Filter Large Capacity Fuel Filter Clear nylon housing and sintered bronze element Fits 3/16” - ?”

Imagine Gold Activated Carbon Filter Aqua Clear 71384 $20.96 Activated Carbon Filter Insert for Hagen Aqua Clear 50. Ingredients: Carbon. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured.

Imagine Gold Foam Filter Insert Aqua Clear 110 71623 $21.05 Foam Filter Insert for Hagen Aqua Clear 110. Ingredients: Nylon. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured.

Imagine Gold Activated Carbon Filter Aqua Clear 70 71386 $24.1 Activated Carbon Filter Insert for Hagen Aqua Clear 70. Ingredients: Carbon. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured.

Imagine Gold Foam Filter Insert Aqua Clear 70 71396 $20.48 Foam Filter Insert for Hagen Aqua Clear 70. Ingredients: Nylon. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured.

Imagine Gold Foam Filter Insert Aqua Clear 70 71618 $17.43 Foam Filter Insert for Hagen Aqua Clear 70. Ingredients: Nylon. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured.

Imagine Gold Activated Carbon Filter Aqua Clear 110 71622 $21.44 Activated Carbon Filter Insert for Hagen Aqua Clear 110. Ingredients: Carbon. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured.

Polystrand Filter Pad Set for Ocean Clear 318 $26.99 Package contains 7 white notched circular filter pads (8 1/2 in. diameter x 1 in. high) and 1 white regular circular filter pad (9 in. diameter x 1 in. high).

BioMax for Aqua Clear 50 and 200 $4.29 Biological filter media for the Aqua Clear 50. (200)

BioMax for Aqua Clear 30 and 150 $3.29 Biological filter media for the Aqua Clear 30. (150)

BioMax for Aqua Clear 70 and 300 $5.99 Biological filter media for the Aqua Clear 70 (300).

BioMax for Aqua Clear 110 and 500 $10.89 Biological filter media for the Aqua Clear 110 (500).

Polystrand Filter Pad Set for Ocean Clear 317 $31.99 Filter pad set for 317 by Red Sea. Comes with 7 pads: 3 regular, 4 coarse.

Tiffen Digital HT 77mm Ultra Clear Lens Filter $113.99 This clear filter features Hi-Trans double-sided titanium multicoating for the durability needed to protect your 77mm lens from dirt, grime, fingerprints and damage.

Imagine Gold Foam Filter Insert Aqua Clear 71392 $17.64 Foam filter insert for Hagen aqua clear 30. Ingredients: Nylon. Satisfaction ensured. Length: 3.75 . Width: 2.25 . Height: 5.00 .

Imagine Gold Ammonia Remover Filter Insert Aqua Clear 70 71616 $19.02 Ammonia remover filter insert for hagen aqua clear 70. Ingredients: Zeolite. Satisfaction ensured. Length: 6.25 . Width: 2.25 . Height: 7 .

Imagine Gold Ammonia Remover Filter Insert Auqa Clear 71601 $17.43 Ammonia remover filter insert for hagen aqua clear 30.. Ingredients: Zeolite. Satisfaction ensured. Length: 2.375 . Width: 1.75 . Height: 4 .

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This entry was posted on Thursday, January 20th, 2005 at 5:59 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.