Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper use, installation, and maintenance of the ychmzp Replacement Sponge Filter Media Pads. These filter pads are designed to maintain clean and healthy water environments in various pond and aquarium filtration systems.
Product Overview
The ychmzp Replacement Sponge Filter Media Pads consist of two types of sponges, designed for comprehensive filtration:
- Yellow Sponge: Fine density, primarily for trapping small debris and fine particles.
- Blue Sponge: Coarser density, designed to capture larger suspended particles, sediments, and organic matter.
These sponges are made from a soft, collapsible foam with high elasticity and excellent water permeability, ensuring efficient filtration without obstructing water flow.
Image: A stack of alternating blue and yellow circular filter sponges, demonstrating their layered design.
Image: A detailed view showing the distinct textures of the coarse blue sponge and the fine yellow sponge, highlighting their different filtration capabilities.
Compatibility
These replacement sponge filter media pads are compatible with the following pressure pond filter models:
- SUNSUN/Polar Aurora CPF-250
- SUNSUN/Polar Aurora CPF-180
- VIVOHOME/VIVOGROW 2380 GPH
- VIVOHOME/VIVOGROW 2630 GPH
- Goplus 10000 L/H Pressure Pond Filters
Image: A cutaway view of a pond filter unit showing the blue and yellow filter sponges correctly installed within its internal structure, illustrating compatibility.
Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to install the replacement filter media pads:
- Prepare the Sponges: Due to vacuum packaging, the sponge pads may appear thinner upon arrival. Soak them in clean water for 5-10 minutes to allow them to expand to their original dimensions. This does not affect their filtration effectiveness.
- Access Filter Unit: Turn off and unplug your pond filter. Carefully open the filter unit according to its specific manufacturer's instructions to access the filter media compartment.
- Remove Old Media: Remove any old or worn-out filter sponges from the unit. Dispose of them responsibly.
- Insert New Media: Place the new ychmzp sponge filter pads into the designated slots within your filter unit. Ensure proper layering of coarse (blue) and fine (yellow) sponges as per your filter's design, typically with coarser media placed before finer media in the water flow path.
- Secure and Restart: Close the filter unit securely. Reconnect the power and restart your pond filter system. Monitor for proper operation.
Operating Principles
The ychmzp filter sponges provide both mechanical and biological filtration:
- Mechanical Filtration: The sponges physically trap suspended particles, including debris, uneaten food, and fish waste, preventing them from circulating in the water. The dual density design ensures efficient removal of both large and small impurities.
- Biological Filtration: The porous structure of the sponges provides a large surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. These bacteria are crucial for the nitrogen cycle, converting harmful ammonia and nitrites into less toxic nitrates, thereby maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.
Image: Blue and yellow filter sponges shown with water splashing around them, emphasizing their fine water permeability and ability to maintain smooth water flow.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your filter media is crucial for optimal performance and water quality:
- Cleaning: Periodically rinse the sponges in old pond or aquarium water (not tap water, as chlorine can kill beneficial bacteria) to remove accumulated debris. Avoid excessive cleaning that might remove beneficial bacterial colonies.
- Replacement: It is suggested to replace the filter sponges every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain a consistently healthy water environment and ensure peak filtration efficiency. The exact frequency may vary depending on the bioload of your pond or aquarium.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced Water Flow | Sponges are clogged with debris. | Clean or replace the filter sponges. Ensure proper installation. |
| Cloudy Water | Insufficient filtration or sponges are saturated. | Increase cleaning frequency or replace sponges. Check for proper filter operation. |
| Sponges appear thin after unpacking | Vacuum packaging compression. | Soak sponges in water for 5-10 minutes to allow them to expand to their original size. |
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 1.4 inches (overall, may vary by individual sponge)
- Yellow Sponge Dimensions: 7.9 inches (Diameter) x 1.4 inches (Height)
- Blue Sponge Dimensions: 10 inches (Diameter) x 1.4 inches (Height)
- Quantity: 3 pieces of yellow sponge, 3 pieces of blue sponge (total 6 pieces)
- Material: High-elasticity, collapsible foam
- Model Number: HM-180
- Manufacturer: ychmzp