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Thread: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

  1. #1
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    When I first got into the hobby alot of people used these filters... Diy, simply a piece of foam, siliconed to a piece of tile and you use a pvc pipe thats perforated as a lift tube. I used to use them in all my tanks. Then hydrosponges became popular and I switched. The past year I made a bunch and use them in some tanks. Really a very easy and cheap filter. Just curious how many people still use some or remember using them!


    2018-05-10 10.03.24.jpg

    al
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  2. #2
    Homesteader Adam S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    I started out with about 20 just like that. 4" Poret cubes siliconed to a tile with 3/4" PVC cap in between and PVC lift tube. Finally converting most of my tanks to Mattenfilters. Wish I had done it that way from the start.


  3. #3
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    Adam,
    lol, yep looks familar!
    Got any pictures of the Mattenfilters you are using?
    al
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  4. #4
    Homesteader Adam S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    Here's one being broken in with an L134 group. Mattenfilters don't break in after a few weeks like normal sponges. After several months, something magic happens. They only need to be rinsed every 12-18 months, and they handle particulate matter better than floss. Also really convenient for fry, as you can just drain behind the filter after vacuuming. Just a got a diamond bit from Jehmco, so now the only thing left is to have a couple drinks and drill the tanks for even easier maintenance.




    Moving picture to show how much water a large Jetlifter moves. Forgot to mention, they don't clean the glass for you. Still working on that.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    Hey Al
    Always have made my own filters. 3/4 inch pipe to make an "L " shape. Lift tube length
    depending on tank depth with a 1/4 inch hole drilled at an angle about 1 inch from top
    to accommodate air line. Bottom part of "EL" about 4 or so inches long, drilled with multiple
    1/4inch holes, capped at the end, hydro 5 slipped over it and your good to go.
    Jay

    and works great.

  6. #6
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    Quote Originally Posted by Adam S View Post
    Here's one being broken in with an L134 group. Mattenfilters don't break in after a few weeks like normal sponges. After several months, something magic happens. They only need to be rinsed every 12-18 months, and they handle particulate matter better than floss. Also really convenient for fry, as you can just drain behind the filter after vacuuming. Just a got a diamond bit from Jehmco, so now the only thing left is to have a couple drinks and drill the tanks for even easier maintenance.




    Moving picture to show how much water a large Jetlifter moves. Forgot to mention, they don't clean the glass for you. Still working on that.
    Hey Adam,
    Thanks for the pics. I tried using them before and the worked great. The only problem I had was during big water changes with fry in the tank I had some losses of day old swimmers get "stuck"to the filter material as water level dropped. Have you had any problems with fry?

    al
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    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
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    Aquaticsuppliers.com


    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

  7. #7
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    Quote Originally Posted by brady View Post
    Hey Al
    Always have made my own filters. 3/4 inch pipe to make an "L " shape. Lift tube length
    depending on tank depth with a 1/4 inch hole drilled at an angle about 1 inch from top
    to accommodate air line. Bottom part of "EL" about 4 or so inches long, drilled with multiple
    1/4inch holes, capped at the end, hydro 5 slipped over it and your good to go.
    Jay

    and works great.
    Hey Jay, How are you? Hope all is well! Finally over the winter !

    I never tried the hydros like that but sounds like they would work great. Take a few pics!

    Al
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
    Simplydiscus LLC Owner
    Aquaticsuppliers.com


    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

  8. #8
    Silver Member Willie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    I tried these using Poret sponges, which look very similar. But I couldn't stand the break-in period when you have to let gunk accumulate.

    OCD wins again!

    Willie
    At my age, everything is irritating.

  9. #9
    Homesteader Adam S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    No problems with fry. Of course pleco fry stick with dad for 2-4 weeks, so they don't really have the chance to get stuck until they are pretty well developed.

    It took me a while to get over the gunk thing too. Still siphon daily, but it's probably unnecessary.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Anyone use these DIY filters still?

    The price of hydro Sponge is really cheap here. About SGD$3.50 (less than $3 USD) and it's available everywhere.
    The replacement Sponge is SGD$2.
    Not cost effective to DIY.
    But I have to admit there's really alot of satisfaction with DIY products...

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