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Post by Carl on Nov 22, 2013 20:57:49 GMT -5
We have updated our Sponge Filter Use Information once more! This was a major updated where the layout was changed, information was added, and many changes were made to the grammar & text by an outside person who happens to be an English Teacher www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Nov 23, 2013 12:28:10 GMT -5
It reads fantastically!
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Post by Carl on Jan 8, 2014 11:23:35 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on May 5, 2014 11:47:29 GMT -5
I have expanded the Sponge Filtration, Filter use article to include more or expanded information about the use of air pumps to run your sponge filter. Here is an example of expanded information "Sponge Filter/Air Pump Combinations Suggestions: Please note that these suggestions are far from an exhaustive list, so matching similar sponge filters and similar air pumps should yield similar results (although it is noteworthy that there are no equals to the patented Hydro sponge filter, even though most air pumps are quite similar in quality and design).
*Hydro Sponge #1 or #2: SunSun YT-301 or Million Air 80. For a bit more power, the Million Air 200 or Fusion 300. *Hydro Sponge #3, #4, or #5: Million Air 200, Fusion 300 which have more depth abilities than the MA80 and other smaller single outlet pumps. The Million Air 400 or 600 and the Fusion 600 or 700 can be used with an airline 'T' to combine each outlet for extra deep tanks such as over 24 inches. *TWO Sponge Filters: Million Air 300/400, Fusion 600 or Fusion 700 for deep tanks. *FOUR to SIX Sponge Filters: Fusion 700, (an air line control kit is suggested for more than 2 per air pump outlet)."Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on May 22, 2014 8:54:43 GMT -5
We have once more updated the Sponge Filter Use article. This includes a new picture Here is the new picture This picture to shows a Hydro Pond #3 attached to a Rio 1000, 1100, or 1700 (the Hydro Pond #4 fits the same) Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Aug 29, 2014 11:00:24 GMT -5
I have updated the Sponge Filter Use article once more, primarily in the overview layout adding some bullets for clarity. Here is a snip from the article: "Sponge filters are a much better choice for bio filtration for planted aquariums over popular canister or HOB filters as they strip less CO2. Only a fluidized sand bed filter exceeds the sponge filter for aerobic bio filtration without as much CO2 stripping for planted aquariums. A lack of CO2 is one of the limiting factors in a planted tank so it is a huge advantage to have more available for your plants to utilize for photosynthesis!"Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Oct 2, 2014 16:07:42 GMT -5
I have updated the Sponge Filter Use, Information article again. This time as I noted in another thread here at EA as to the whys of ATI Sponge Filters with more added to the muths section near the end of the article. Here is a snip from this: All sponge filters are the same and only for small aquariums. –MYTH
The flow design, sponge media material, and sponge size all are important. A large sponge filter with sponge media of a high and proper sized pore count is an extremely efficient filter. Compare the sponge design of the patented Hydro Sponge to a cheaper Lees, AquaTop, Hagen (Elite), or Tetra sponge and it is obvious. These cheaper sponges clog faster and do not have the pore density of Hydro Sponge filters. My controlled tests in the 1990s showed comparably sized ATI/AAP Hydro Sponge Filters had a higher bio capacity to ALL others.
In fact, in tests comparing the Hydro Sponge #5 PRO with Aqua Clear 70 and 110 HOB filters, the Hydro Sponge #5 beat the Aqua Clear 70 and was at least as good as a Aqua Clear 110 (these HOB filter utilize sponge inserts). For the price the Hydro Sponge #5 PRO is the clear winner compared to both. Unfortunately the aquarium hobby is full of anecdotal information knocking sponge filters as low tech, out dated, too small, etc. which is all not true when truly objective comparisons are made.
Some history as per my professional use of the ATI/AAP Hydro Sponge Filter: As noted earlier I performed controlled tests in the 1990s using these filters with use dating back to the 1970s. However after selling off the LFS part of my business due to a move to Oregon to protect my family, I ceased selling these filters as I no longer had a resource for the filter. So when I re-started my business online and as per my still running aquarium maintenance company (but now operated by another), I gave the Chinese made SF-XY a try as it looked very similar to the Hydro Sponge. Interestingly while very similar to the patented Hydro Sponge Filter, and while they performed well, they did not perform as well. Then later a representative from ATI contacted me about patent infringement by the SF-XY Sponge filter and I then re-established contact and sales with this company.
The point being is many companies have tried to copy these filters, but even then have failed even while infringing upon patent rights. WHY? Simply because these are superior to all other sponge filters (including DIY), and by a wide margin.
Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.html#MythsCarl
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Post by Carl on Jan 26, 2015 18:17:10 GMT -5
I have once more updated the "Aquarium/Pond Sponge Filter Use" article. Several updates were made including the section on troubleshooting Here is a snip from this section: "*Not Trapping Debris:
This is likely caused by incorrect installation so that air or water flow is not properly pulling debris into the sponge, please review the pictures throughout this article for correct set-up/installation. Clogged or full sponge filter material will also not allow proper flow. An aged sponge filter or poor quality sponge material (which is common) will also clog much more quickly, especially as it ages. See also the Media Care Section
Sponge media that is also not cleaned often enough, is set up incorrectly, or is of low quality will also have a chance of releasing debris back into the aquarium when cleaning. If this is a problem, I would suggest vacuuming around the filter prior to the removal/disconnection of the sponge filter from the air pump or water pump. Then I suggest changing the sponge, checking installation, and/or improving/upgrading your sponge filter. "Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.html#TroubleshootingCarl
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Post by Carl on Feb 10, 2015 15:05:33 GMT -5
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Post by Carl on Sept 7, 2015 19:25:49 GMT -5
I have updated the Sponge Filtration Article once more. Here is a snip from the Sponge Filter Media Types Section I updated: The type of sponge material can affect both mechanical and biological filtration. This is where many of the cheap knock offs, or even name brand sponge filters such as the Lees sponge filter, do not perform as well. Not all sponge materials are created equal! These utilize pores that are too fine and are made with a foam material that is too dense resulting in poor flow, clogging, and a far less than desirable biological function.
The picture to the below shows many sponges made by ATI HydroSponge. The patented reticulated "PRO" sponges are for higher flow and more coarse particulates. While the standard patented sponges are for lower flow, but smaller particulates.Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Sept 24, 2015 11:59:39 GMT -5
I have updated the Sponge Filter Use article to include further information about combination sponges too. This includes the Filter Max 2/3 combination that is also sold at AAP exclusively. The attributes of the filter combination is that it allows for both coarse and more fine mechanical filtration while at the same time allowing for higher flow rates often needed by larger HOB & canister filters. Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.html#TypesCarl
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Post by Carl on Oct 3, 2015 12:04:03 GMT -5
I have further updated the Sponge Filtration article to highlight another "combo" filter. Here is an excerpt from this article about this: "The picture shows a solution for larger aquariums in need of higher flow filters, but still desiring good fine mechanical filtration that will not impede overall flow. This is a Hydro Sponge 5 Combo which combines the patented ATI 5 Pro and 5 Standard. This can be used with either a power head or air pump and will easily work in aquariums 60 gallons or larger (or smaller if need be). This filter will also easily out perform both mechanically more importantly, biologically most all Hand on the Back filters including the larger Aqua Clears. Make sure when rinsing, that the fine standard sponge is always on the top for optimum effectiveness since water will always follow the path of least resistance and using the PRO reticulated sponge on top will not allow much water flow through the fine sponge."Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on May 12, 2016 8:44:12 GMT -5
The Sponge Filtration/Filters article has been updated. Here is an excerpt from this article (that has been updated): "Sponge pre-filters such as the Filter Max can be attached to the intake of most canister or aquarium power (HOB) filters. In fact the use of premium sponge pre-filters such as the AAP Filter Max can cut down on the need to change filter cartridges in power HOB filters by 200-300%, saving money, and time. This is especially effective for high efficiency power filters such as the Rena Smart Filter which tend to clog faster than some aquarium HOB filters.
Besides extending the length of time between filter cartridge changing in an HOB power Filter, as with other good sponge filters, these pre-filters will increase bio capacity of your over all aquarium filtration. As well these pre-filters, whether connected to a HOB filter or canister filter will also prevent young fish fry from being sucked into an intake as is often the case with canister filters and many HOB filters as well."From this section: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.html#TypesCarl
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Post by Carl on Nov 25, 2016 12:34:19 GMT -5
I have updated the Spon Filtration article. Here is an excerpt from the Sponge material section: "A good test of the quality of the sponge material is when you go to rinse/clean the sponge. Upon removal, the patented AAP Hydro Sponge filter along with all others will likely drip some of the trapped "yuk" from your aquarium while removing if you are not careful due to material trapped just at the surface. However upon rinsing in a bowl or small bucket of used aquarium water, one will often find it does not take nearly as many squeezings to clear most every sponge made as when compared to the Hydro sponges which will often take 2 or 3 buckets of clean rinse water to clear since these sponges trap/hold so much more!!!
The picture to the above shows the two types of patented sponges made by ATI/AAP HydroSponge where the pore density is obvious and quite different from just about any other sponge filter available. The patented reticulated "PRO" sponges are for higher flow and more coarse particulates. While the standard patented sponges are for lower flow, but smaller particulates. As noted, this material as per my test has far more bio/mechanical capacity than any of the cheap foam sponge material used in most common and Chinese knock offs. As even the DIY or similar products using poret foam (such as used by SwissTropicals) still does not match capacity as per my use/tests.
It is also noteworthy that while these knock offs have not gotten the sponges right, they have copied the patented modular design, so when you purchase these knock offs such as the Deep Blue or Aquarium Solutions, you are infringing on a patent."Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.html#spongeCarl
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Post by Carl on Dec 18, 2016 12:40:47 GMT -5
I have updated my "Aquarium Sponge Filter Use" article once again. Here is an excerpt: "Air Pump Attachment Note that even without the use of the optional diffuser, I have attached a small piece of tubing to the underside of the bulls-eye (frame #4). This is IMPORTANT as it allows the column of air to draw water upward deeper into the sponge filter, thus providing better more thorough filtration and better uptake of debris from the water column in the aquarium."Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlI should point out since there has been a plethora of YouTube Channels that often get information wrong about these sponge filters, that this information has been available for free on the internet for more than a decade, so their is little excuse for this incorrect information (including recommendation of Ken's Fish who isn't even an official distributor for this product & worse) Example of YouTube Channel providing poor information: "East Coast Power Cichlids" Carl
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Post by Carl on Sept 13, 2017 12:45:34 GMT -5
I have further updated this popular & experience based article (compare to a popular YouTuber who gets some information incorrect based on lack of experience/research). Here is an excerpt from the article in the sponge aterial used section: "The picture to the left shows a solution for larger aquariums in need of higher flow filters, but still desiring good fine mechanical filtration that will not impede overall flow. This is a Hydro Sponge 5 Combo as well as the unique AAP 1-3 PRO Combo (pictured to the right) combines the patented ATI 5 Pro and 5 Standard (#3 PRO & Hydro Sponge #1 in the 1-3 PRO Combo). These can be used with either a power head or air pump and will easily work in aquariums 60 gallons or larger for the 5 combo (or smaller if need be) or 50 or less for the 1-3 Combo (or larger if multiple used).
These filters will also easily out perform both mechanically more importantly, biologically most all Hand on the Back filters including the larger Aqua Clears. Make sure when rinsing, that the fine standard sponge is always on the top for optimum effectiveness since water will always follow the path of least resistance and using the PRO reticulated sponge on top will not allow much water flow through the fine sponge."Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Sept 29, 2017 9:32:41 GMT -5
I have made more updates to the popular Sponge Filtration article, mostly for better readability Here is an excerpt: "Another controlled test that involved many aquariums (some with equal bio loads along with controls), where regular high capacity Hydro Sponges, PRO Sponges, and a mixture of other sponges & filters were used; I would then add a measured amount of pureed fish food and then tracked ammonia & nitrite spikes. The aquariums of a MIX of both types of Hydro Sponges performed best, while others responded differently depending upon the original bio load. The low quality sponge material as well as many HOB filters responded worst"www.americanaquariumproducts.com/sponge_filtration.htmlCarl
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Post by Carl on Sept 5, 2018 9:16:41 GMT -5
I've further updated this popular about the use of quality sponge filters in an aquarium Here is an excerpt from the "types of Sponge Material" Section: "The type of sponge material can affect both mechanical and biological filtration. This is where many of the cheap knock offs, or even name brand sponge filters such as the Lees sponge filter, do not perform as well. Not all sponge materials are created equal! These utilize pores that are too fine and are made with a foam material that is too dense resulting in poor flow, clogging, and a far less than desirable biological function. Unfortunately with the flood of low quality sponge filters now dominating the hobby, along with the "cut & paste nature of the Internet including YouTube Videos/Facebook, many otherwise knowledgeable aquarium keepers do not understand this and the fact a good sponge filter such as the AAP Hydro sponge (both regular & PRO) or DIY filters using HMF (Hamburger Mattenfilter) can in fact out perform any comparably sized HOB filter in both mechanical and in particular bio filtration.
The picture to the above shows the two types of patented sponges made by ATI/AAP HydroSponge where the pore density is obvious and quite different from just about any other sponge filter available. The patented reticulated "PRO" sponges are for higher flow and more coarse particulates. While the standard patented sponges are for lower flow, but smaller particulates.
A good test of the quality of the sponge material is when you go to rinse/clean the sponge. Upon removal, the patented AAP Hydro Sponge filter along with all others will likely drip some of the trapped "yuk" from your aquarium while removing if you are not careful due to material trapped just at the surface. However upon rinsing in a bowl or small bucket of used aquarium water, one will often find it does not take nearly as many squeezings to clear most every sponge made as when compared to the Hydro sponges which will often take 2 or 3 buckets of clean rinse water to clear since these sponges trap/hold so much more!!!
As well, the cheap knock offs may look like the Hydro Sponge regular in particular, but besides trapping much less as per the rinsing, it is also noteworthy that these cheap knocks will shed bits & pieces of the sponge with each rinsing. This is a HUGE difference, as I have in particular a couple #2 Regular AAP Hydro Sponge Filter sponges that while not in perfect condition, are still holding together after nearly a decade!!
Another controlled test that involved many aquariums (some with equal bio loads along with controls), where regular high capacity Hydro Sponges, PRO Sponges, and a mixture of other sponges & filters were used; I would then add a measured amount of pureed fish food and then tracked ammonia & nitrite spikes. The aquariums of a MIX of both types of Hydro Sponges performed best, while others responded differently depending upon the original bio load. The low quality sponge material as well as many HOB filters responded worst
As noted, this material as per my tests, has far more bio/mechanical capacity than any of the cheap foam sponge material used in most common and Chinese knock offs. As even the DIY or similar products using poret foam (such as used by SwissTropicals) still does not match capacity as per my use/tests. In fact as per the Swiss Tropical Sponge Filters that are pushed in small circles, these are not as versatile, but more importantly this square design has been known and demonstrate"
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Post by Carl on Sept 18, 2018 9:13:27 GMT -5
I;ve made another update to the popular Aquarium Sponge Filter Use article Here is an excerpt: "As a bio filter, most premium sponge filters (such as our Premium Hydro Sponge Filter) are vastly superior to Under Gravel Filters and even superior to comparably rated HOB filter as per extensive controlled tests performed by us in the 1990s. This is due to the very porous nature of a sponge filter that allows for extensive colonization of nitrifying bacteria, assuming your aquarium or pond is adequately circulated.
Please note that many sponge filters and even patent infringing "knock offs" made by a variety of brands (such as Lees, Tetra, Hagen, SF-XY, XY-380, AquaTop) are NOT made of the same patented sponge material as ATI's patented Hydro sponges. Thus these do not perform nitrification at the same level, as my tests confirmed in the 1990s, often by a LARGE margin due to a much more porous design that simply traps more debris and allows more bacterial colonization. As well, these patented sponges have a micro design that does not collapse on itself as readily as other designs. Please read further for a more in depth explanation of this. These lower end sponge filters also degrade much quicker, as many users can attest to.
In fact in tests using the XY-380 commonly sold via Amazon, using very similar bio load aquariums, I found the amount of organic debris during the same time period to be almost double for the patented AAP Hydro Sponge Filter, thus demonstrating a MUCH higher capacity!!
The bottom line is there is a reason for the patent and why ATI is constantly legally battling these knock offs for patent infringement when they try to improve.
A couple of the reasons for better test results when compared to an under gravel filter, is that a well designed sponge filter does not have “dead” spots, nor do sponge filters trap decomposing organic mulm in pockets, such as is the case with under gravel filter plates (which can lower KH/pH, increase nitrates, and even promote Aeromonas or Saprolegnia pathogens!)
In addition, these tests showed that these filters were also superior to most popular power (HOB) filters for bio filtration (such as the Marineland Bio Wheel). Bio Wheels are touted for their ability to host beneficial nitrifying bacteria and yet, this simple sponge filter outperformed them.
Commentary/Rebuttle: A member of the group "badmanstropicalfishDOTcom" made a comment about this article: "there is no way any appropriately sized sponge filter has more surface area than a properly set up UGF".
I am not sure why he thinks this, but I can categorically state that in just one large example, the Bahooka Restaurant where one location alone was set up with under gravel filters in well over 100 aquariums. As these aquariums were switched out with appropriately sized AAP/ATI Hydro Sponge Filters, not only was there less organic mulm present during cleanings, but these tanks responded better to spikes in bio load too."Carl
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