Aquarium Sponge Filter Use
Carl
In the end, you need to judge your aquarium environment since the answer to which one is "best" is not black & white".
IN FACT; my uses/tests show that even in high bio load
aquariums (such as large cichlids) a combination of coarse/reticulated
and regular sponges actually will achieve the best results!
You could also combine filtration types (coarse & fine) by using a
Hydro Sponge #5 PRO with a #5 Stackable attached (which is a standard
sponge). Using a Hydro Pond #2 or #4 and replacing one of the
reticulated sponges provided with a standard #5 would also work.
It is noteworthy that water will always flow in the path of least
resistance, so this combination method with not draw nearly as much
water through the fine sponge as the coarse reticulated sponge.
The
pictures to the left and right shows a solution for high bio-load and
larger aquariums in need of higher flow filters, but still desiring good
fine mechanical filtration that will not impede overall flow.
The unique AAP Hydro Sponge 5 Combo (left) as well as the unique AAP
1-3 PRO Combo (pictured to the right) combines the patented ATI 5 Pro
and 5 Standard (#3 PRO & Hydro Sponge #1 in the 1-3 PRO Combo).
These can be used with either a power head or air pump and will easily
work in aquariums 60 gallons or larger for the 5 combo (or smaller if
need be) or 50 or less for the 1-3 Combo (or larger if multiple used).
Our large professional aquarium maintenance company's experience
suggests redundancy is usually best, so even where the larger size of
the #5 Combo might be called for, I suggest considering TWO of the #3/1
Pro Combos instead (which are also easier to hide and could be split to
opposite sides of the aquarium for better circulation).
These filters will also easily out perform both mechanically more importantly, biologically most all "Hang on the Back" filters including the larger Aqua Clears. Make sure when rinsing, that the fine standard sponge is always on the top for optimum effectiveness since water will always follow the path of least resistance and using the PRO reticulated sponge on top will not allow much water flow through the fine sponge.
Exclusive Product Resources:
*Hydro Sponge #5 Combo
*Hydro Sponge #1-3 PRO Combo