Problem with sponge filters

[neo-2FX]

I'm wondering any other SKF folk are running into the same issue as I with Biospon filters.

I'm finding that they're losing their suction/output and even after taking them out, squeezing the sponges, re-connecting everything they'll run at full output for only a couple of months before having to repeat the process.

I'm trying to determine whether it's the airline tubing coming loose or just the filter connections.

I've got a few ideas about fixing it permanently like sealing the connections etc. but just wanted to know if anyone else has run into similar problems?

Edited February 26, 2017 by neo-2FX

[Brentwillmers]

I have been giving mine a rinse/squeeze at every second water change and haven't had any issues yet. 

I've just bought 2 new ones and looked at the weighted bottoms and thought let me open it up and have a look whats in there. To my surprise it's looks like mild-steel discs and not even sealed well. This is a definitely rust issue waiting to happen. 

Have you noticed anything like that with yours. 

I would have posted a picture of it but I can't shrink the size of the photos on my phone. 

 

[neo-2FX]

I'm always hesistant in removing them often because

a) could lose some baby shrimp on them when putting them in a bucket

b) may disturb the tank too much and stress shrimp

What filter media do you have in your one that's running?

I have Seachem Matrix in all of mine so I wonder whether they're somehow clogging up the chamber easily.

I haven't noticed that actually. Please post up a photo when you get a chance, you've got me interested in that and will pay attention next clean. 

 

[Brentwillmers]

I am using Seachem matrix carbon. 

Unless I can figure out how to shrink photos on my phone I don't think I would be able to post a pic. 

Will have a look today. (Dam iPhones)

[jc12]

So far I have noticed two issues with them.

1. Suction cups loose suction and not sticking on glass after some time even though the suction cups still feel pliable, unlike some of the cheap suction cups that 'hardens' after being submerged in water for some time. I don't have a solution for this. Currently, I let the filters 'sit' on the substrate.

2. Losing their 'output' like what you have described above. The part that clogs up is at the joint between the transparent tube and the grey bit. If you pull out the tube and look inside the grey bit, you will see little holes that allow air to pass through. Give those holes a brush and output should resume. Another way without getting your hands wet is to use a syringe and forcefully purge air through the airline a few times and it will purge the gunk out. The output should resume after the 'purge'.

Hope this helps.

[neo-2FX]

14 minutes ago, jc12 said:

So far I have noticed two issues with them.

1. Suction cups loose suction and not sticking on glass after some time even though the suction cups still feel pliable, unlike some of the cheap suction cups that 'hardens' after being submerged in water for some time. I don't have a solution for this. Currently, I let the filters 'sit' on the substrate.

2. Losing their 'output' like what you have described above. The part that clogs up is at the joint between the transparent tube and the grey bit. If you pull out the tube and look inside the grey bit, you will see little holes that allow air to pass through. Give those holes a brush and output should resume. Another way without getting your hands wet is to use a syringe and forcefully purge air through the airline a few times and it will purge the gunk out. The output should resume after the 'purge'.

Hope this helps.

This information is golden, thankyou! I had a suspicion it was that area because I would sometimes see air bubbles coming from there.

I too have the same problem you mention in point #1 but a quick push against the glass re-attaches it.

I'll give the syringe method a try tonight and report back.

[neo-2FX]

@jc12 you sir are a LEGEND!

The syringe trick worked perfectly on all three of my tanks!!!!

Thankyou so much!

I can sleep well tonight [emoji39]

Edited February 27, 2017 by neo-2FX

[jayc]

Not quite sure which part you flushed out. Can you show a pic of the general area?

[neo-2FX]

3 hours ago, jayc said:

Not quite sure which part you flushed out. Can you show a pic of the general area?

I'm guessing it's the inside of this part circled.

There must be small holes, like @jc12 described, on the inside where the air comes down the airline and into it.

Edited February 28, 2017 by neo-2FX

[jayc]

Ok, that makes sense now with a picture. Thanks.

[jc12]

Bingo @neo-2FX. It is exactly what you have circled in the pic above. Glad to know my very detailed description was effective. ?

@jayc, seriously mate you need to pay attention and follow closely what I said. The transparent bit and the grey bit. How did that not make sense? ?

Edited February 28, 2017 by jc12
Grammer. A bit slow today like @jayc. ;P

[jayc]

3 hours ago, jc12 said:

The transparent bit and the grey bit. How did that not make sense?

LOL. I'm a bit slow today.

In my defence, there are transparent bits and grey bits all over the Biospon.

Edited February 28, 2017 by jayc