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Hi there, I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge or experience with these Scenic Bio Filters advertised here: http://www.scenicfilter.com/paginas/fra1.htm

I've recieved one as a gift for my 55 gallon (it's 400 miles away though and I won't get a look at it until after the holidays). They look pretty neat from what I can make out in the pictures, but I've never heard of them before. I'm a little nervous about tearing the current tank down and putting this in.

If anyone knows anything about these filtration systems, I'd appreciate your thoughts on the matter. Thank you.

Honestly I don't get what this is. Bacterial filtration is present in all tanks, on all surfaces....couldnt' find anything in that link that made me think they werent selling snake oil .

^_^
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Bacterial filtration is present in all tanks, on all surfaces....couldnt' find anything in that link that made me think they werent selling snake oil

Yeah, I know. I'm suspicious too. This was an impulse buy that my SO made because he thought it looked "cool". I don't think he realizes how much work it would take me to tear down the 55 and start all over for an iffy product.

From what I understand, it's basically a piece of firm sponge that was carved out and painted to make a 3-D set-up. You stick a bubbler or two in the sponge for oxygen and it's supposed to be a good bed for bacteria. *shrugs* No gravel or ornaments needed, just glue the sponge in and you have an instant set-up that will harbor a healthy bacteria colony when cycled. Or so they claim.

I'm not really attached to the current set-up and the few fish in the 55 could be redistributed elsewhere while I tinker with this thing, so I'm thinking about giving it a shot. :/

::Edited to Add::

Actually, they're claiming, as you said, that it's this miracle filtration system when all they're selling is a piece of pretty sponge that will naturally accumulate the bacteria colonies in the proper conditions. I'm irked that they're lying about what the product is, but still at a loss as to whether it will help or hurt my tank.

Last edited by celeste621 at 18-Dec-2004 00:46

Well, honestly, I dont think it can hurt. It really seems to be no different than the bacterial buildup in your substrate naturally - its really just a really fancy nice looking substrate and background all in one.
Personally I find it very nice looking.
Which one did you get btw? And will you post pics once its in place?


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Oh they're made of foam ....hmm well yes that would allow for a big area for bacteria...but if you glue it in how do you clean out all the gunk that will accumulate inside the sponge . It's a pitty, SOs should really just stick with gift certificates.

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Hi,
I agree, they LOOK pretty neat! I also agree that it
is going to be alot of work to fit it in to the tank,
and I seriously doubt the "wonder cure" type of claims.

However, if you decide to do it... Please post some
pictures, and tell us how it comes out over the next
few months. I'd be interested, and I'm sure others
might be as well.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Hi again. I wanted to let you all know that I had my SO sell the product to someone else. I decided that I didn't want to spend my winter vacation tearing down our 55- we had a lot of problems with it earlier this year and I'm rather enjoying the recent trouble-free months.

Instead he went out and bought one for an empty 10 gallon that he plans to put in his office. We're going to try this on a smaller scale and see how it works out. If it is a success, I will definitely consider re-doing the 55 next winter when I have more free time to work on it.

So, over the vacation I'll try to get some pictures and descriptions of how we put the 10 gallon one together and track its progress over the next few months. As long as nobody minds, I'll try to stop back here and share my findings. Everyone's comments were really helpful, thanks a lot.

Which one did you get btw? And will you post pics once its in place?

I have no idea which one he got, but I will try to get a good shot of it over my vacation. (His uncle bought it off of him and I'm curious to see what it will look like all set-up in the aquarium.) I'll also get some pictures of the little 10 gallon one and set them up on a webpage with some information.

Celeste,

I looked at a similar product for one of my tanks. However, that product did not claim to be a filter but advocated placing your filter intake and thermometer behind the foam while providing current "flow through" areas.

Interesting but too much putzing for me.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Bob,

Interesting but too much putzing for me.

That pretty much sums up my feelings behind the decision not to attempt it on a large scale. It isn't worth the trouble at this point.

Is there something I'm not getting about this thing? I mean, it's just cosmetic, right? Isn't this thing just creating more surface area for bacteria to grow on? Wouldn't the same amount grow on/in regular gravel and other decor? (That is, just enough to consume the amount of ammonia/ nitrite present)

Seems like it's just taking up space in the tank

And wouldnt you want some sort of mechanical filtration as well, anyway?

I know you're not getting this thing anymore, but still... wargh... stupid products

---

Back in the saddle!

From what I can tell, it's just like a sponge filter shaped oddly?