34G Solana Owners - Flow Question

[djbetterly]

I've had my solana for a few months now and everything is going pretty well. One question I have is with the pre-filter sponge, do you find you get better flow without it? I did a test last week where I removed the sponge and it seemed as though my water was a bit more clear. I also noticed my tunze skimmer produced more skimmate. Any thoughts?

I also am running an inTank Media basket with, in this order:

filter floss
purigen
CPE
Chaeto

 

[Markdiego]

I think it makes more noise without the sponge. Also more water agitation resulting in more evaporation(imo). Flow does get restricted when the sponge is dirty. Ive pondered widening the slits of the overflow but i havent seen anyone else do it..