How to Build a DIY Double Sponge Filter With Bio Media:
Aquarium Sponge filters are the
most common filters that are widely used by aquarists. They do not suck fish
fries, & fries can eat the leftover food attached to the sponges. It is
simple to build a DIY sponge filter at home that consists of two inlets. It can
efficiently clean aquarium water, & I am making this double bio /
mechanical sponge filter for my community aquarium. You can purchase a sponge
filter from aquarium shops but if you want to get the best results, then I
recommend you make a double head sponge filter that can hold biological media
for efficient cleaning. Double Bio Sponge Filter can clean water mechanically
& biologically.
Why DIY Double Sponge Filter with Bio Media is very Efficient for Biological Filtration:
A sponge filter is very useful
for biological filtration. It offers a large surface that houses heaps of
useful bacteria that are responsible for removing toxic chemicals from the
water. Also, sponge filters are used for mechanical filtration. Leftover food
particles, fish waste & other debris flows through the mechanical
filtration media that stops the solid particles, & only allow water to
proceed. Water then enters the bio media chamber that breaks down the toxic
ammonia after useful bacteria growing on the bio media interacts with the
toxins. Ammonia is broken down into nitrites & nitrates. Nitrates are not
as dangerous as nitrites, & nitrites are comparatively less dangerous than
ammonia. Ordinary bio media can only remove ammonia & nitrites from the water
while leaving nitrates. Ceramic rings can remove ammonia, nitrites &
nitrates from the water.
Ceramic rings hold both
Nitrifying & Denitrifying Bacteria. Nitrifying bacteria uses oxygen to wipe
out ammonia & nitrites. Denitrifying bacteria grows in oxygen free places
such as inside the pores of the ceramic rings that can remove nitrates.
How to Build a Double Bio / Mechanical Sponge Filter:
I have used 2 clear plastic
bottles, PVC connectors & PVC pipe for making a DIY Double Head Sponge
filter. I have used Krylon fusion spray paint for painting the PVC parts.
Ceramic rings as well as bio bakki balls are used as biological filtration
media, & a fine foam is used as mechanical filtration media.
Cut the Bottles:
Painting the Pipes & Connectors:
Krylon fusion is used for giving a black color to the sponge filter. Sponge filters are not attractive, & many aquarists hide them behind plants, structures or ornaments. This beautiful black paint offers a nice shiny black look to the sponge filter.
Filter Assembly:
Cut a large piece & multiple smaller pieces of pipes. Connect a small piece of pipe to each side of the Tee connector. Connect an elbow to each opposite side of the small pipes. Attach the large pipe to the middle of the Tee connector. Connect a small pipe to the opposite end of each elbow connector that goes vertically up. Attach a bottle to each opposite side of the small pipes.
Make a Hole in the Sponge Filter for an Air Tube:
Attach Suction Cups to the Sponge Filter:
Biological Media: Ceramic Rings & Bio Bakki Balls:
Use both ceramic rings & bio bakki balls as bio media. Bakki balls can only hold nitrifying bacteria but Ceramic rings can hold both nitrifying & denitrifying bacteria so it can remove every impurity. Bakki balls are more efficient in removing ammonia & nitrites than Ceramic rings but Ceramic rings can even wipe out nitrates.
Mechanical Filter Media: Fine Foam:
Use fine foam in each bottle that will only allow water to flow through it & will trap every solid particle.
Setup Double Bio Sponge Filter inside Aquarium:
Attach the double bio sponge filter to the aquarium glass. Turn on the air pump, & the sponge filter will start cleaning water.
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