Is CPR Overflow Box Foam Filter Required?

[Zenoah1439]

I've had a CPR overflow box running on my tank for a month or so now. Its been making "gurgling" noises constantly since i got it running and tonight I decided to try cleaning out the little foam filter over the bulkhead out to see if that might have something to do with it. Much to my surprise, as soon as i removed the foam filter the box ran completely silent. I cleaned the filter out, but as soon as its placed back in it starts gurgling again.

I'm thinking about just running it without the filter, but what problems may be associated with doing this? Anyone have experience either way (filter on or off) on these CPR boxes?

 

[Krish]

When I ran a CPR overflow, I tossed my sponge eventually. That and all of the sponges in my system including the ones that sat on pumps. I think of sponges as little biofilters/nitrate factories if not cleaned or changed regularly so off they all went. Never had an issue either.


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[Zenoah1439]

Thanks Krish,

I figured it would be OK, but didn't want to come home and find out otherwise with a bunch of water on the living room floor.

Everything looked good this morning before I left, so I'm probabaly just going to run without it. Thanks again.

 

[jrgilles]

Yea, toss the sponge. Not needed. Another thing you may want to do is cover the overflow box with black duct tape so no light can get in. That way it won't clog with algae

 

[Will]

I ran cpr 90 on my 75 gal fowlr for three years with no sponge. Never a problem. The only sponge I keep is in my sump for emergencies in case I have to set up hospital tank fAST. iNSTANT COLONIES NO CYCLYING INVOLVED THAT WAY

 

[Maxx]

Yup, sponge is not needed in CPR overflow.

Will, buy a few bioballs, use place those in your sump instead, does the same thing, less surface area than a sponge so its less of a nitrate factory.

Nick

 

[Will]

Have probably a 32 gallon trash can full of bio balls I used to use them in sump for wet dry on 75 gallon fowlr. Now only use that tank for hyposalinity hospital tank. Now am running 180 gallon reef setup with liverock only in sump I keep small sponge in sump for quick start up of 75. So I will not get cycle in hosp. tank:ranger: