HOW TO MAKE A CUSTOM SPONGE FILTER

A sponge filter is a simple yet effective way to filter your aquarium (also easy on the wallet.) Creating your own custom filter will allow you to create a filter that is designed for your tank’s bioload and capacity.

You can create your own custom filter with only a few parts.

WEIGHTED BASE & UPLIFT TUBE

To build your own sponge filter you need to start with a weighted pipe base. The next section is a plastic strainer section, which is where the sponge/foam will sit. You can make this section as long or short as you desire. The gaps in the plastic allow for water to move through the sponge. Next you can decide to add an uplift tube. The longer the uplift tube the more flow of water. The uplift tube can be cut to any length to fit your tank’s depth.

MATTENFILTER FOAM/SPONGE

Mattenfilter foam comes in a variety of porosities, meaning how many pores there are within the actual sponge/foam. They are rated by pores per inch. The benefits to using Mattenbatten foam are endless. It can be cut to any desired shape or size, and lasts up to 20 years! You can read more about Mattenfilter Foam HERE.

POWERHEAD

The final piece to your filter is a powerhead. A powerhead is fully submersible, making your filtration extremely quiet vs. an air pump. Using a submersible powerhead also takes away the chances of any fish getting caught in the uplift tube, which is ideal for a breeder tank or tank with small creatures such as shrimp.

Volker’s Aquarium carries all the supplies you need to create your own quiet and super effective sponge filter. All the parts are fully customizable and can be purchased as a full system or separately.