My first matten filter setup

[Cartel]

I recently picked up a 40L from Mike (Maddog) I didn't have anywhere to set it up and needed some tank space asap so it's on my floor. I have spare filters but wanted to try something new and mike included the foam and lift tubes from when he had it running. It's def growing on me. For now I have a seeded sponge on the right that soon will be taken out. I threw my heater behind the foam since I hate equipment in tanks. Yeah I know kinda redundant when now the filter is part of the tank... I have decided later I'm going to buy a small pump like a Mag 2 and plumb it to the lift tubes currently used so i can ditch the water bong sound and make it more efficient. Right now im growing out some Dimidiochromis Compressiceps and Champsochromis caeruleus. This will later be my first new world setup. Anywho here's some crummy iPhone pics.

 

[F8LBITE]

nice. I was just checking Mike Barber's fishroom yesterday and he's got the poret setup on quite a few of his tanks. Its got me thinking. I like the idea of minimal filter maintenence.

 

[UNCLERUCKUS]

CARTEL I LIKE IT. I'M INTERSTED IN LOOKINGAT THAT ONE DAY. THE ANNUAL CLEANING FACTOR IS VERY ENTICING. NICE PICS AND THANKS FOR SHARING. THINKING IN HINDSIGHT I SHOULDA BID ON THAT PORET AT THE AUCTION.

 

[Prince]

The tank stand is awesome! I think I may try a matten filter on my next tank. I miss my dog. Had a Pittbull/Rottweiler mix. His name was Clyde the 3rd and he too was awesome..... I need sleep. If you can run it with a power head Walmart has a Regent/Marineland 170GHP powerhead for 20 bucks.

 

[Cartel]

The tank stand is awesome! I think I may try a matten filter on my next tank. I miss my dog. Had a Pittbull/Rottweiler mix. His name was Clyde the 3rd and he too was awesome..... I need sleep. If you can run it with a power head Walmart has a Regent/Marineland 170GHP powerhead for 20 bucks.

I could also use powerheads I might look into that. I kinda like the idea of only using 1 pump though.

 

[mrkillie]

THINKING IN HINDSIGHT I SHOULDA BID ON THAT PORET AT THE AUCTION.

You can get it for what it went for anytime if you have a few folks going in and buy bulk. I have had that stuff on my Xmas list for 2 years now and Santa just keeps ignoring it. I may have to break down and get it myself! I'll wait and see if Santa comes through this year

 

[Avatar]

Requires quite an aesthetic sacrifice, no?

Is the alleged benefit simply a matter of less frequent cleanings? Am assuming water changes are still de rigueur?

I even scape my grow-out tanks, so don't mind me, can see where the 'industrial' approach might make sense for some.

 

[Cartel]

I kinda dig the "industrial" look it has. I tend to like odd things like looking under a stand and seeing crazy plumbing to me looks cool. So I don't see it as a sacrafice. I actually think sponge filters look less pleasing IMO. As for the benefits I will have to wait and see. Less maintenance is def a plus in my book because I'm lazy like that. I was reminded of this when cleaning my sump this weekend.....

 

[maddog10]

Yes you do have to continue your regular water changes. It has a HUGE amount of surface area for bacteria to colonize, so you will be set on biological filtration.

What I liked about it is how clean the tank looks when there aren't any airlines, filter tubes and heaters in the 'display' part of the tank. You could even take some black tape to cover the portion of the tank with the filter, that way you do not see any of the normal fish tank 'ornaments'.

 

[Avatar]

Black tape? OK, but Art it ain't.

I prefer the 'clean' look myself, more so as I have 2 dozen tanks scattered throughout my apartment, like decor, and they're all easy on the eyes. For me plumbing and such is a bit like children - should neither be seen nor heard.

 

[F8LBITE]

you could spray paint the pvc tube black for a little cammo too.

 

[Pat Kelly]

Yeah, the foam sort of stands out but I love the filtration I get from mine. Of course being blue makes mine stand out more.
Now on the other hand, I have it in 10 Gallon tanks also. These tanks are on end so you are looking in one end. The other end is black filter foam so it makes a great back ground. the only think you see is the little piece of tube sticking out.