Filling an Eheim 2215 full of ATI hydro sponge

Java Moss · 12-12-2012, 04:05 PM

Thought of only - haven't done it yet.

Using a small hydro sponge on the intake, then cutting up more sponges to throw into the canister. Won't "stuff" them in, but it should, for the most part, cover all the space allowed inside the canister.

What do you guys think? Overkill? Or just not worth it and the material that came with the filter should be good enough?

halffrozen · 12-12-2012, 04:43 PM

At my local LFS, they sell JUST the sponges for $2-$5 each and they get maybe 5-6" diameter..

Algae Beater · 12-12-2012, 04:45 PM

there is exponentially more surface area on most bio-medis (substrat)

the issue with using sponges is that they are usually the first to fill with debris and thus slow down the filter. I would use sponge for the prefilter only

**TexasCichlid** · 12-12-2012, 04:50 PM

If all you need is biological media, just get plastic pot scrubbies from the dollar store. Best bang for your buck.

STS_1OO · 12-12-2012, 04:59 PM

Agreed, you want a surface that allows bacteria to grow on it but disallow the collection of debris. Sponges will fill up with with debri and will likely impede the flow of water - which is critical to keeping the bacteria alive and well. Eheim bio balls are second to none really.

**Jeff5614** · 12-12-2012, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STS_1OO

Agreed, you want a surface that allows bacteria to grow on it but disallow the collection of debris. Sponges will fill up with with debri and will likely impede the flow of water - which is critical to keeping the bacteria alive and well. Eheim bio balls are second to none really.

Unless, of course, you read this article. I've used Matrix for years. It's much less expensive than Ehfiwhatever and I've had no issues with clogging. Of course it's probably 6 of one and a half dozen of the other when it gets down to it.

http://theaquaticgazette.com/2012/03/08/seachem-matrix/

Oxl · 12-12-2012, 06:08 PM

Yeah Matrix is the medium to use if you want the largest surface area.

Java Moss · 12-13-2012, 10:21 AM

Thanks for the tips, folks!

MChambers · 12-13-2012, 05:29 PM

I recently set up an Eheim 2217 with a 4 inch bottom layer of coarse Poret foam, then added matrix and other biomedia on top, just to be safe.

It's only been two months, but so far it's working great. I think the ATI sponges would work fine, but would add a little traditional biomedia on top.

12-12-2012, 04:05 PM	#1
Java Moss Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 173	Filling an Eheim 2215 full of ATI hydro sponge Thought of only - haven't done it yet. Using a small hydro sponge on the intake, then cutting up more sponges to throw into the canister. Won't "stuff" them in, but it should, for the most part, cover all the space allowed inside the canister. What do you guys think? Overkill? Or just not worth it and the material that came with the filter should be good enough? __________________ The longer I'm involved in this hobby the more & more I'm convinced that Bio-Type species tanks are the way to go. Plants and fish/inverts live together in nature for a reason. I find the less I try to fight nature the better my tanks look. - DogFish 1.24.12

12-12-2012, 04:43 PM	#2
halffrozen Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Buckeye, AZ Posts: 151	At my local LFS, they sell JUST the sponges for $2-$5 each and they get maybe 5-6" diameter.. __________________ Bolivian Rams make everything better. 75 gallon Bolivian Ram tank Journal

12-12-2012, 04:50 PM	#4
TexasCichlid Surrounded by Blyxa (View User Tanks) PTrader: (18/100%) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,271	If all you need is biological media, just get plastic pot scrubbies from the dollar store. Best bang for your buck. __________________ ADA 60P Iwagumi JBJ 3G Picotope - PFR Factory

12-13-2012, 10:21 AM	#8
Java Moss Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 173	Thanks for the tips, folks! __________________ The longer I'm involved in this hobby the more & more I'm convinced that Bio-Type species tanks are the way to go. Plants and fish/inverts live together in nature for a reason. I find the less I try to fight nature the better my tanks look. - DogFish 1.24.12

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12-12-2012, 04:45 PM	#3
Algae Beater Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 275	there is exponentially more surface area on most bio-medis (substrat) the issue with using sponges is that they are usually the first to fill with debris and thus slow down the filter. I would use sponge for the prefilter only

12-12-2012, 04:59 PM	#5
STS_1OO Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2/100%) Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 170	Agreed, you want a surface that allows bacteria to grow on it but disallow the collection of debris. Sponges will fill up with with debri and will likely impede the flow of water - which is critical to keeping the bacteria alive and well. Eheim bio balls are second to none really.

12-12-2012, 06:08 PM	#7
Oxl Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SWFL Posts: 89	Yeah Matrix is the medium to use if you want the largest surface area.

12-13-2012, 05:29 PM	#9
MChambers Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: May 2009 Location: Washington DC Posts: 170	I recently set up an Eheim 2217 with a 4 inch bottom layer of coarse Poret foam, then added matrix and other biomedia on top, just to be safe. It's only been two months, but so far it's working great. I think the ATI sponges would work fine, but would add a little traditional biomedia on top.