On Fri, 31 Mar 2006 12:14:25 -0500, "NetMax"
wrote:

"Nikki" wrote in message
...

"Altum" wrote in message
. net...
I want to make small sponge filters for a couple of two gallon betta
tanks. They are planted, but I think they could do with a bit of
filtration and some gentle water movement. I found these directions but I
will use an airlift rather than the powerhead.
http://www.hagblomfoto.com/article_spongefilter.htm

I got some 1/2" rigid tubing and the airline. How much sponge do I need
for one betta? Would a chunk about 1" square and 4 or 5" tall do the
trick? Also, is open cell filter sponge even the best material or should
I be considering using some sort of matting? I'd like to make something
small, simple and low-maintenance.

Thanks for any ideas.

--
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Altum, i was thinking about that my self, the hang on the back filters
cause to much movement then when turned down dont do their job, what kind
of powerhead are they talking about? i have a powerhead on my bigger tanks
connected to an underground, is that what they mean, would that cause to
much movement in the water. do they sel the sponge at any pet store.
nik
You know i was thinking it would be nice if they made bigger sized of
those penplex four compartment holders for betta, for people who have a
lot of them, like make them 5 gl but connected, never mind i am probably
not explaining it right.


For the sponge filter, a 1x4" rectangle (4sq") would be a little tight
against your 1/2" pipe (giving you 1/4"x4" surface). I would go with
something wider (1.5" to 2") and 3 to 5" tall. For an air drive, have your
1/2" rigid extent a few inches above the sponge filter (or the flow will
defeat the upper section of the sponge), and your air line to drop down
inside to about 1" from the bottom. It will need very little air at a
steady rate, so it'll probably be sensitive to depth (you'll notice it
running stronger when the water level is dropped during water changes ;~).
Airstones help maintain a slow flow if the design allows for them. Have you
figured out how to fasten the airline to the rigid to maintain a constant
depth? Maybe drill a hole in the rigid to thread the airline through.

Does the old standard for adjusting the speed of a foam filter so that
you can count the bubbles, or at least see each individual bubble
still hold true?

-- Mister Gardener