Duh, why didn't I think of this sooner

[brewmaster15]

I had one of those moments when I realized there was another way to do something, and I literally never thought of it after years until today. I have 29 gal breeding tank which is really just a retirement home for an old pair I am very fond of. I wanted to add a little wood for some plecos and a small potted plant or two for some endler guppies. But these are fairly large discus and I didn't want it cramped in there. The filtration is 2 hydro sponges. I could have moved the sponges out and ran a hang on the tank filter or canister but none will fit with the space I have and it would cost if they did fit, not something I want to spend on. So I pulled one of the two hydro sponges, leaving one which is really more than enough bio-filtration for the tank load. Did a big cleaning this morning and was rinsing the two sponges.. had the cages apart and started putting it all back together and realized I can actually combine these! and stack with no real issues!!! Duh, why didn't I think of this sooner!!!?

[brewmaster15]

The only thing I had problems with is connecting the airline to everything internally. I could have done it with a needle nose pliers but instead ran the bottom hydro cage as you normally do, then add a small piece of airline tube and a rigid tube thru the stack and to the top for airline connection.

You end up using all the parts of two hydro sponge cages except for one base and one collar.

al

[Charlyc11]

Very creative Al.

[jwcarlson]

I'm happy to say that I did this before Al. But not with the same sponges.

[brewmaster15]

I'm happy to say that I did this before Al. But not with the same sponges.

lol.. I figured someone else here had the same idea. I just can't believe it took me so long to see something so obvious.

[jeep]

Hence the name "stackable filter", lol...

ATI actually sells a stacking kit.

[brewmaster15]

Hence the name "stackable filter", lol...

ATI actually sells a stacking kit.

Why buy what you can make yourself... Diy rule number 1.

DIY Rule number 2 is Creativity dies with commercialization .

DIY rule #3 "where theres a will theres a way"

DIY rule #4 Thinking outside the.. Its not a box ...its a cage.

[Second Hand Pat]

I am going to give this a try Al. I like it
Pat

[brewmaster15]

After running the sponges in this stack now a few days I am.really pleased... tank id crystal clear even with the added bristlenose and Endler Guppies