Sponge Filter Quick-Fix

[Bill63SG]

I know sponges are cheap,but why buy a new one if you can fix the old one.Also Im on winter lay-off,so if I don't have to spend a buck,I wont.I haven't seen this addressed before,so if it has,my bad.I was getting tired of some of my older sponges slidding down their frames during water changes.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/Bill63SG/sponge%20filter/IMG_2823_zpsdzyate3o.jpg (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/Bill63SG/media/sponge%20filter/IMG_2823_zpsdzyate3o.jpg.html)
I figure I needed something to hold it up,so I took the lid of an old container that was getting thrown away anyway.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/Bill63SG/sponge%20filter/IMG_2824_zpsr80z1faq.jpg (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/Bill63SG/media/sponge%20filter/IMG_2824_zpsr80z1faq.jpg.html)
Took a hole saw for a drill and cut it.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/Bill63SG/sponge%20filter/IMG_2825_zpsx455gzho.jpg (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/Bill63SG/media/sponge%20filter/IMG_2825_zpsx455gzho.jpg.html)
Also drilled some holes in the perimeter.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/Bill63SG/sponge%20filter/IMG_2827_zpsfif9pwbl.jpg (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/Bill63SG/media/sponge%20filter/IMG_2827_zpsfif9pwbl.jpg.html)
And fixed.
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb328/Bill63SG/sponge%20filter/IMG_2826_zpsfetgjyh1.jpg (http://s1200.photobucket.com/user/Bill63SG/media/sponge%20filter/IMG_2826_zpsfetgjyh1.jpg.html)

[William Palumbo]

Thats a good idea Bill. I usually stuff the bottom with filter floss...Bill

[Uncle Raymond]

Bill, great idea! When times get rough, it's time to be creative. Thanks for posting the "how-to" photos.
U/R

[mollyb]

Great idea, thanks. Now, does anyone have any idea how to fix *** when the inner 'cage' splits, and doesn't want to hold the next component anymore? I have been using elastic bands, wrapped around the cage a few times, but they deteriorate pretty quickly.

[brewmaster15]

Excellent DIYer Bill! I had not seen that one before....
:thumbsup:


Great idea, thanks. Now, does anyone have any idea how to fix *** when the inner 'cage' splits, and doesn't want to hold the next component anymore? I have been using elastic bands, wrapped around the cage a few times, but they deteriorate pretty quickly.

I've uses elastics before...they do fall apart fast... Try a Zip tie.:)

al

[Bill63SG]

Excellent DIYer Bill! I had not seen that one before....
:thumbsup:



I've uses elastics before...they do fall apart fast... Try a Zip tie.:)

al

Thanks,Al.I had been switching over to the coaser "pro" sponges,which this dosent seem to happen to,yet.But I like the regular ones in fry.juvie tanks because they graze off them.Just threw a cage part out,didnt think of the zip-tie.I may have to got thru the bag and give it a shot.

[Ardan]

Nice tip Bill!!

Ardan

[nc0gnet0]

I just flip the sponge 180 degrees :)

[mollyb]

Excellent DIYer Bill! I had not seen that one before....
:thumbsup:



I've uses elastics before...they do fall apart fast... Try a Zip tie.:)

al

Thanks Al, I guess if you bury the head of the zip tie internal to the cage it would not get in the way of removing the sponge too bad (I usually try to only use one hand, lazy, but also just how the tanks are set up). Will try it tonight!. Brent