Dish sponges in filters?

[SkollSunChaser]

Today, when I was scrubbing my hand-me-down old 20 gallon HOB filter, I noticed that I was missing the replaceable filters for it. I also noticed that the sponges we bought from the dollar store today were almost exactly the same size. Could I use them in place of the replaceable ones?

The pictures are of the sponge (to show it has a scrubby and a squishy side) and how the sponge fits in the filter. All feedback is appreciated! Also, this filter will be used on a 10 gallon I picked up for a temporary home for my babies. Once the 55 is ready, they'll move to that.

 

[jdlqh8]

Typically dish sponges are discouraged due to the possibility that it could have been treated with soap or some other cleaning chemical that will mess with the life inside of your tank.

If your looking for a DIY filter media poly fill (used for stuffing quilts or even some pillow) works really well!

Josh

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk

 

[PatchworkClocks]

Someone suggested to me that I use craft felt in my filter, because I can't afford to get more filter pads. So far it works really well, but thinner felt usually requires a couple layers. I've heard you can use something like foam, too. But I dunno about that one.

 

[SkollSunChaser]

Craft felt? What did that run you?

 

[PatchworkClocks]

Craft felt? What did that run you?

I bought three sheets of it at Walmart for around 5 bucks. I read around and it should last about a month and a half to two months before I need to cut more pieces of it.

 

[SkollSunChaser]

I read into that poly-fill stuff, and by the sounds of many people of the internet the stuff is supposed to be amazing. Thanks you guys for the answers! One guy had said that he always just rinsed his out really well and didn't throw it away until it was completely dead; which apparently took several months. I may use it with some craft felt and see how the two work together. Thanks again you guys, this certainly saved my wallet!

 

[carsona246]

used poly-fil in my canister filters and I never had any trouble. Super cheap and easy to clean.

 

[SkollSunChaser]

Cheap indeed! I picked this bag up today at Walmart for under $4. Is there anything special I need to do with it or is it ready to go?

 

[PatchworkClocks]

Cheap indeed! I picked this bag up today at Walmart for under $4. Is there anything special I need to do with it or is it ready to go?

When I bought my felt, I soaked it in hot water for a few minutes, then I stuck it into another container with a bit of the tank water in it. I assume it would be a good idea to do the same with the polyfil. Even if there aren't chemicals in it, it's always a good idea to wash down anything you plan on putting in your tank or filter.