Safe sponges?

[sam_y]

Does anyone know where I can get sponge that's inert and won't harm fish? Are there types of sponges I should stay away from? I need a good amount to make sponge filters with and it'll be too expensive to buy them at petstores (yes, I'm cheap...but these things add up). Thanks for any help!

[ronrca]

I use sponges that you can buy from fabric stores that are used for upholstery however they have to be untreated and white in color. You buy by the meter I beleive. I still rinse them before using. I have been using these foams for over a year with no problems!

[sam_y]

That's perfect, thanks Ron! I guess white sponges aren't the nicest to look at but I'm sure clearly seeing the dirt accumulate will encourage more filter rinsing -- which can only be a plus.

[simon.browm403]

the foam for filter sponges is called "open cell foam", make sure when you but it, that it has not been sprayed fire retardent chemicals :)

[sam_y]

Hi Simon,

Thanks! What's the best place to look for this 'open cell foam'?

Sam

[nacra99]

I use a product called Airtex Chair Pad.
It comes in 15" x 17" x 2" thick sheets, but can always be stacked to make taller filters.
I get mine from Jo-Ann fabrics. Make sure you get the one that says 100% polyurathane foam.

hth
Marc

[simon.browm403]

Hi Simon,

Thanks! What's the best place to look for this 'open cell foam'?

Sam
I got mine from my local market, just told him what i was after " open cell, no fire retardents" he did the rest.

You could try looking in the phone book for, foam syplyers/manufactures

[funkyfish]

i got my foam from hobby lobby breathable foam 24x24x4 for 5 bucks works great turns yellow after some time

[aggie_67]

Walmart has in their fabric dept.

[sam_y]

Great, thanks guys!!! I'll hunt for some over the weekend.

[Alight]

I am trying to find some foam for the sides of a tank divider. I got some from Walmart after reading this thread. It is Morning Glory chair pad foam and is 100% polyurethane. It doesn't say it has flame retardants, but it does say it was modified to meet the California fire safety standards.

It has quite a "plastic" smell, that seems to be getting less as I soak and rinse it.

The question is would this foam be safe? I suspect it does have some flame retardant in it. How toxic is the flame retardant, and will it wash out, easily?

Thanks!

[ChienHsu]

I got mine from the following URL:

http://www.foamfabbed.com/cgi-bin/foam/index.html

They can actually cut for you. Each one is less than a dollor and no shipping cost.

Chien