AAP Hydro Sponge Filter 3 PRO
SKU:
$11.99
$11.99 - $64.75
per item
-Sponge Size; 4.25" H x 3.75" W (Recommended for 15 gal. up to 40 gal.)
-New high Flow reticulated sponge for higher bio loads that tend to clog regular sponge filters!
-Please note that the size aquarium the 3 PRO best fits, generally does not call for the higher flow rate reticulated sponge nor should it have the higher bio loads of a larger aquarium, therefore, in most applications the Hydro Sponge 3 Regular is the correct choice
Press DESCRIPTION + above for more info
Now including the NEW ATI Base! Fill with substrate of choice.
Distributed by AAP (original design by Lustar, Patented by ATI)
AAP is the LARGEST AUTHORIZED dealer for the patented ATI Sponge Filter, selling unique models and parts not found at other non authorized dealers.
Why purchase anywhere else since they also have been a major supporter of this hobby for decades including copious amounts of FREE information?
As well these are 100% American (USA) made with as much as 5 times the capacity of a given sponge size over similar appearing Chinese knock offs.
While these knock-offs utilize and violate the patent design often changing only the color to green or black while these Chinese made sponges are vastly inferior, as well as often only available in coarse or fine, but not both or combos.
Why purchase products made outside North America for an inferior sponge product to save maybe $1 to $2 and help perpetuate copying of patented USA products?
Capable of moving more water than other sponge filters.
Made from Proprietary Patented Sponge Foam for the highest mechanical debris capacity and bio capacity; generally as much as FIVE TIMES THE CAPACITY of other non Patented Sponge Filters!!!
As well, patented reticulated filter foam (PRO) foam for higher flow rates. We also have the combo sponge filters that combines the best of both the standard & reticulated sponges.
NO other sponge filter compares! Even the "Deep Blue Sponge Filters" & many others who simply stamp their name on the same Chinese knock offs that have infringed on the modular design patent of the Hydro Sponge Filter still do not have the same high capacity sponge.
Often these Chinese made knock offs simply change the color of the patented modular design to black or most recently green in attempts to get around the modular design patent!
The proof is in how many more rinsings it takes to clean an AAP/ATI Hydro Sponge Filter over ALL OTHERS due to the much higher capacity!
One inch diameter lift tube allows for high volume water flow and allows use of power head without adapters.
All sponges are 1" inner diameter (which may stretch to 1.25" inner diameter")
Raised off bottom, no dead space.
Heavier base.
Can be used in the vertical or horizontal position.
Professional Aquarium and Pond Filter Experience, ATI Filter Max Prefilter
Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze in used aquarium water (never tap water).
Extra sponges can be purchased and kept in the aquarium for quick bio-cycling of new aquariums, hospital tanks, or replacement of the old sponge when worn out
The HydroSponge Filter provides both mechanical and biological filtration that generally excels over similar sized HOB Filters that generally are double the cost and much more expensive to keep!!!
Aerobic bacteria colonize the sponge providing a bacterial substrate to facilitate the nitrogen cycle.
In addition, the Hydro-Sponge traps waste particles mechanically cleaning the water without trapping the baby fish.
Excels as a small tank or bowl filter, especially for bettas which have fins that can get easily trapped in HOB or other filter intakes.
Excels as a breeding filter, as baby (fry) are not trapped by sponge filters and the Hydro Sponge #1 & #5 Stackable allows for additional filtration and hiding places for fry
Excels as a Discus filter, angelfish filter, hospital filter, or back up filter. Even as the Primary filter for larger aquariums (two #5 Hydro Sponge filters of #5 + stackable can easily handle a 75 gallon aquarium); also consider using Hydro Pond Filters in larger aquariums and sumps (see link in the left side bar))
Our maintenance companies have used these filters in Marine/ Reef aquariums (with live rock, generally in sumps ), with GREAT results!
MULTIPLE EXCLUSIVE SIZES & REPLACEMENT SPONGES:
Please note that the size tank given is the size (gallons) that we have used these filters UP TO, generally with more than one and is based on my real world experience using these filters.
Also note that we provide the size of each different SPONGE, the height of the entire sponge filter can be varied by cutting the 5 inch lift tube or adjusting the 1.75 inch base/step.
As an example, the COMPLETE #1 Sponge Filter with base/step, sponge, and uncut lift tube can be as high as 9 inches out of the box.
Now including the NEW ATI Base! Fill with substrate of choice.
Distributed by AAP (original design by Lustar, Patented by ATI)
AAP is the LARGEST AUTHORIZED dealer for the patented ATI Sponge Filter, selling unique models and parts not found at other non authorized dealers.
Why purchase anywhere else since they also have been a major supporter of this hobby for decades including copious amounts of FREE information?
As well these are 100% American (USA) made with as much as 5 times the capacity of a given sponge size over similar appearing Chinese knock offs.
While these knock-offs utilize and violate the patent design often changing only the color to green or black while these Chinese made sponges are vastly inferior, as well as often only available in coarse or fine, but not both or combos.
Why purchase products made outside North America for an inferior sponge product to save maybe $1 to $2 and help perpetuate copying of patented USA products?
Capable of moving more water than other sponge filters.
Made from Proprietary Patented Sponge Foam for the highest mechanical debris capacity and bio capacity; generally as much as FIVE TIMES THE CAPACITY of other non Patented Sponge Filters!!!
As well, patented reticulated filter foam (PRO) foam for higher flow rates. We also have the combo sponge filters that combines the best of both the standard & reticulated sponges.
NO other sponge filter compares! Even the "Deep Blue Sponge Filters" & many others who simply stamp their name on the same Chinese knock offs that have infringed on the modular design patent of the Hydro Sponge Filter still do not have the same high capacity sponge.
Often these Chinese made knock offs simply change the color of the patented modular design to black or most recently green in attempts to get around the modular design patent!
The proof is in how many more rinsings it takes to clean an AAP/ATI Hydro Sponge Filter over ALL OTHERS due to the much higher capacity!
One inch diameter lift tube allows for high volume water flow and allows use of power head without adapters.
All sponges are 1" inner diameter (which may stretch to 1.25" inner diameter")
Raised off bottom, no dead space.
Heavier base.
Can be used in the vertical or horizontal position.
Professional Aquarium and Pond Filter Experience, ATI Filter Max Prefilter
Easy to clean. Just rinse and squeeze in used aquarium water (never tap water).
Extra sponges can be purchased and kept in the aquarium for quick bio-cycling of new aquariums, hospital tanks, or replacement of the old sponge when worn out
The HydroSponge Filter provides both mechanical and biological filtration that generally excels over similar sized HOB Filters that generally are double the cost and much more expensive to keep!!!
Aerobic bacteria colonize the sponge providing a bacterial substrate to facilitate the nitrogen cycle.
In addition, the Hydro-Sponge traps waste particles mechanically cleaning the water without trapping the baby fish.
Excels as a small tank or bowl filter, especially for bettas which have fins that can get easily trapped in HOB or other filter intakes.
Excels as a breeding filter, as baby (fry) are not trapped by sponge filters and the Hydro Sponge #1 & #5 Stackable allows for additional filtration and hiding places for fry
Excels as a Discus filter, angelfish filter, hospital filter, or back up filter. Even as the Primary filter for larger aquariums (two #5 Hydro Sponge filters of #5 + stackable can easily handle a 75 gallon aquarium); also consider using Hydro Pond Filters in larger aquariums and sumps (see link in the left side bar))
Our maintenance companies have used these filters in Marine/ Reef aquariums (with live rock, generally in sumps ), with GREAT results!
MULTIPLE EXCLUSIVE SIZES & REPLACEMENT SPONGES:
Please note that the size tank given is the size (gallons) that we have used these filters UP TO, generally with more than one and is based on my real world experience using these filters.
Also note that we provide the size of each different SPONGE, the height of the entire sponge filter can be varied by cutting the 5 inch lift tube or adjusting the 1.75 inch base/step.
As an example, the COMPLETE #1 Sponge Filter with base/step, sponge, and uncut lift tube can be as high as 9 inches out of the box.
HYDRO SPONGE SET UP INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse and squeeze the sponge under water (our professional maintenance company recommends using used aquarium water in a separate container, then disposing of the water).
Then slip the sponge on the strainer.
Directions for use with a air stone (optional): Connect air stone to the bottom of the bull's eye, then connect bull's eye to the top of the strainer.
Then connect air line tubing to the bull’s eye on the sponge filter and the other end of the air line tubing to an air pump.
Suggestions for air pump applications:
Here is a diagram/picture showing how to connect an air diffuser to the bulls eye of a Hydro Sponge Filter. Also air line and lift tube connections.
Rinse and squeeze the sponge under water (our professional maintenance company recommends using used aquarium water in a separate container, then disposing of the water).
Then slip the sponge on the strainer.
Directions for use with a air stone (optional): Connect air stone to the bottom of the bull's eye, then connect bull's eye to the top of the strainer.
Then connect air line tubing to the bull’s eye on the sponge filter and the other end of the air line tubing to an air pump.
Suggestions for air pump applications:
Here is a diagram/picture showing how to connect an air diffuser to the bulls eye of a Hydro Sponge Filter. Also air line and lift tube connections.
*The sponge usually will try and float when new (it will gain more weight over a few weeks as beneficial nitrifying bacteria form), I often will brace the Sponge Filter with décor/rocks for at least the first few weeks.
*It is typical for the standard sponge to be compressed if stored for some time when new, however once it is hydrated it will expand to more than enough space to properly fit the filter frame.
*The optional air diffusers will slightly increase flow and lower water surface agitation, however they are not required for proper sponge filter function (when run with an air pump)
Directions for use with a power head:
Using an Power Head Pump for demonstration purposes
*It is typical for the standard sponge to be compressed if stored for some time when new, however once it is hydrated it will expand to more than enough space to properly fit the filter frame.
*The optional air diffusers will slightly increase flow and lower water surface agitation, however they are not required for proper sponge filter function (when run with an air pump)
Directions for use with a power head:
Using an Power Head Pump for demonstration purposes
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Suggestions for power head applications:
*Often I secure the power head/sponge combination to the aquarium with décor/rocks (this also hides the sponge from view) as well as the suction holders available with most power heads.
*The Strainer attachment of the Maxi-Jet (or similar pump) can be further tightened to the cone shaped adapter by wrapping 4-5 windings of Teflon tape around the base of the strainer, than adding the cone adapter over the strainer and Teflon tape. After this forcing the cone shaped adapter firmly into the lift tube or directly into the Sponge Filter (minus the bulls-eye) should result in a good fit.
MAINTENANCE:
Rinse the sponge with cool, running water weekly. Do not use hot or cold water as this will destroy the bacteria which colonize the sponge. Do not use soap or detergent when rinsing the sponge.
BASICS:
When your Sponge Filter is attached to an air pump, the rising column of air in the tube pulls water with it.
You can measure the water flow by slightly tilting the filter with the top of the outflow just above the aquarium water line and timing the fill rate into a pitcher or gallon jug. If it fills the jug in 30 seconds, you multiply 2 times per minute times 60 or 120 gallons per hour.
You can also add an air stone to the end of your tubing in the outflow tube to produce more bubbles and more lift.
When attached to a power head, the pump pulls the water thru the sponge media.
*Often I secure the power head/sponge combination to the aquarium with décor/rocks (this also hides the sponge from view) as well as the suction holders available with most power heads.
*The Strainer attachment of the Maxi-Jet (or similar pump) can be further tightened to the cone shaped adapter by wrapping 4-5 windings of Teflon tape around the base of the strainer, than adding the cone adapter over the strainer and Teflon tape. After this forcing the cone shaped adapter firmly into the lift tube or directly into the Sponge Filter (minus the bulls-eye) should result in a good fit.
MAINTENANCE:
Rinse the sponge with cool, running water weekly. Do not use hot or cold water as this will destroy the bacteria which colonize the sponge. Do not use soap or detergent when rinsing the sponge.
BASICS:
When your Sponge Filter is attached to an air pump, the rising column of air in the tube pulls water with it.
You can measure the water flow by slightly tilting the filter with the top of the outflow just above the aquarium water line and timing the fill rate into a pitcher or gallon jug. If it fills the jug in 30 seconds, you multiply 2 times per minute times 60 or 120 gallons per hour.
You can also add an air stone to the end of your tubing in the outflow tube to produce more bubbles and more lift.
When attached to a power head, the pump pulls the water thru the sponge media.