Archie1208 Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Another question that I feel silly asking, bet here goes anyway. This is the first time I have dealt with sponge filters. In my 20l, I am running an Aquaclear 70 and a sponge filter that is rated for up to a 40 gallon tank, so filtration in not a factor. However the clear plastic tube that allows I would call the outlet is above the water line. Should this be cut down to allow for a true outlet? I know its a silly question, but one none-the-less. Thank you in advance once again. Alfrediacag 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countryboy12484 Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I just cut them down to size, so the water gets better aeration... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricM Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I just cut them down to size, so the water gets better aeration... yes if you take the 2 tubes apart you can cut them shorter. I recommend putting the top of the outlet just at the surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I cut down my hydro tube to fit in the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High5's Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 My up tube is like 3 inches long way below the water line, Shoothing and I had a chat about this and we both decided that the shorter the up tube the more water is pulled threw the sponge filter would give you the maximum filtration based by volume of water passed threw the filter theoretically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h4n Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Really think so? So the shorter tube.. Interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie1208 Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Than why have any tube at all? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High5's Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Really think so? So the shorter tube.. Interesting More bubbles leaving the tube faster = more draw of water threw the sponge the longer the air is in the tube the longer the dwell time in the tube before exiting = reduced gph flow, the only down side is shrimp getting a bubble beat down if they swim over it. Seems logical? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrimpo Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I am not sure but I think if the outlet is just at the water level you will get the max flow rating, the air bubbles will not be fighting with water molecules to push them out like when the outlet is below the water level, or need to lift water molecules upward if the outlet is above the water level. Also placing the outlet at the water level will disturb the surface and prevent films buildup. EricM 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rostick555 Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Definitely below the water line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h4n Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Interesting both theories Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h4n Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I'll try both ways Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High5's Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 I think it boil's down to volume ,displacement, frictional force, time and gravity. Think short vs long with applied forces, short is affected less by applied forces meaning more volume, displacement, reduced frictional force, less time affected by gravity = higher flow rate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie1208 Posted September 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Ok...this is my thread! As the newbie I need an answer. At the water line, below slightly or below significantly. I still don't know then why a tube is needed at all if the height is increasing the flow. Thanks again Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High5's Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 How about half way to the water line? Best of both worlds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h4n Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Haha ya half way lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrimpo Posted September 27, 2014 Report Share Posted September 27, 2014 Search for airlift tests on youtube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie1208 Posted September 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 Oh great.... Now all of you walk away Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie1208 Posted September 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 Forget that last post. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie1208 Posted September 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 I'm cutting it in half. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shrimpo Posted September 28, 2014 Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 There will be not much difference in water flow since our tanks are few inches high, the most important thing you need to do is to clean the sponge regularly to allow water flow, otherwise your sponge filter will act as an air stone. h4n, chibikaie and Deroyhott 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
countryboy12484 Posted September 28, 2014 Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 I dont think it matters... If it did the filter would come with instructions... I think we are all over thinking this one lol EricM 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricM Posted September 28, 2014 Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 I dont think it matters... If it did the filter would come with instructions... I think we are all over thinking this one lol totally agree. doubt there is even a little difference. i tend to put my outlets right at the water level to provide some movement of the water surface. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High5's Posted September 28, 2014 Report Share Posted September 28, 2014 I don't think there is a wrong or right way it's just personal preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soothing Shrimp Posted September 29, 2014 Report Share Posted September 29, 2014 There will be not much difference in water flow since our tanks are few inches high, the most important thing you need to do is to clean the sponge regularly to allow water flow, otherwise your sponge filter will act as an air stone. While it's true there will be no mechanical filtration that way, there will still be biofiltration due to the colonies of bacteria living on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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