Lurch Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 Does anyone konw where to get the sort of foam used in filters. All I can find is the closed cell stuff they use in matresses and buying stuff precut for filters is expensive. Surely it must be cheaper in bulk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 It is dacron and is available from fabric stores for stuffing pillows/cushions. You can sometimes buy off cuts of fabric from making jackets etc which have dacron between two layers of fabric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quark_VI Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 Hi, Think Lurch is referring to the "sponge" used in filters as opposed to filter wool. What you are looking for is called reticulated foam (as opposed to closed cell) where the cells are joined i.e. you can breath through it. I know Para rubber in Pnth doesn't sell it or even know what it is. Is commonly used in air ventilation systems but they tend to have too high a ppi (pores per inch) compared to what is typically used in aquarium filters. Might be worthwhile starting your search with one of the industrial ventilation companies. When I was back in South Africa I managed to get hold of some in bulk (2.4m*0.3m*1.2m) and the factory cut it for me (they have the kit to make perfect cylindrical and rectangular blocks) and I managed to make a bit of pocket money selling what I didn't use to pet shops as generic filter sponges. Note that prices are usually quoted per cubic metre. good luck with the search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kookie Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 I have found that filter wool folded a few times, is an excellent sponge for a filter. It sure does catch everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 Many of the sponges that you can buy for bathrooms are open cell foam. Try the $2 shop... even a "Loofa" (sp).. would work. Other things you can use are "Scotch Brite" pan scrubs.. (the green ones).. or if you just want a filler to collect the bacteria.. then nylon pan scrubs are ideal. Chopped up drinking straws can act as noodles.. or the spikey hair rollers that ladies use .. or the Sticky Bricks that kids play with.. again.. the ones with all the spikey protrusions. Personally.. I am using.. (and have been using for years).. the foam from a discarded setee. It is pretty close celled.. so you have to "water log" it first.. but I mainly use this for sponge filters.. not power types or HOB's. Bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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