Sponge/Foam Filter?

[Rjukan]

I was wondering how long would a section of sponge/foam media last in a Fluval 403 before it becomes a nitrate factory?

I was thinking about using my old 403 with a new foam prefilter, and 2 stages of carbon in my setup, but I was concerned the sponge section would stop being effective before I had to change out the carbon.

What do you think?

 

[bertoni]

Well, I suspect it'd start becoming a nitrate factory right away, but that might not much matter since the volume is likely fairly small. How much volume of foam does the filter have?

 

[WantaBeReefer]

I have a 404 (not using it) and there are four foam inserts. each one is about 10" tall, 3" wide, and about 3/4" thick. I used to run mine on my 125, but when I stopped using it I did not notice any real difference, good or bad. I did clean it out about every other week when i was using it.

 

[Rjukan]

Jon, its about 4-5" in diameter and about 3" high or so. There are 3 stages in the interior cylinder and I was thinking about doing the top one sponge and the other 2 carbon. I could just go with no sponge stage and all 3 carbon, or just leave that one empty and have 2 with carbon.

My goal is to have a mechanical filter/polisher that doesnt need to be maintenanced for at least 3 weeks at a time if thats possible while using the 403 I have here.

Thanks!

 

[bertoni]

If you want a mechanical polisher, you could use the one sponge layer and see how it goes. I don't use any mechanical stages, so I don't know how often you'd have to clean it. It might work nicely for you.