Is the foam filter just for sucking up water?
1413045
I don't really know. I would assume the foam filter also stops fine debris from going through (like dry wall dust and such) too.
681033
we do not use the filter. some come w/it. to catch sediment. it is not necessary to use a filter.
266958
There is no filter per se. there are disks which rotate in the water and collect dirt.There isnt a mesh or anything of that sort.
1993918
It's the actual filter. You might find it a little awkward to use at first, but it does a good job.
757996
Yes, the filters are used to filter out debris, particles, food, pet hair, etc from getting into the pump. It doesn't not change the "water" other than filtering it.
1326867
Yes, it filters chlorine plus a lot of other bad things. If you want the floride to be removed, you need to buy additional filters.
323285
No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water is perturbed. No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water... » Read More No. The rising/expanding air bubbles in the tube sucks water through the sponge filters. So, I would say you want the top of the tube no higher than the surface, so water actually pours out of the tube. (too high above the water, and possibly only air is expelled, and there is no filtering.) I suspect that the lower the tube is submerged under water (and the longer the tube is extended), the more water is drawn through the filter, and the cleaner your tank. But, one advantage of this kind of filter is that you can place the tube at the surface, and so limit how much the surface of the water is perturbed. « Show Less
424969
The "filter" is just a simple Mesh filter that is attached to the Lid that matches the Geometry of the Spout. The Mesh is about the same density as a french press filter, it is only going to be good for filtering out larger particles from your water... but if you are using water that has crap in it... uhh.. you may have other issues :P
1969736
The filter should have the black plastic grid on BOTH front & back sides of the foam, which should prevent the situation you describe. Good luck, and return it if truly defective.
1182263
I never actually used it for that, but it is supposed to be able to filter either of those. I think I would have felt safe using it for either of those, I just didn't have a need to filter river or lake water.
322548
No, Not really. the cartridge type filter unit is like those $1000 tanks use. The sponge itself is for bio filtration a carbon pack and BIOPAK sack also. a narrow heater actually fits in by the pump, leaving the take clear. 'worked well for me. Hope this helps.
1513297
Not really. I think what you want is a particulate filter or reverse osmosis for that issue.
126290
Yes it is the last step to the water processing, although in the 20 last years i have used one I have not needed the filter. It is there to smooth out the taste using carbon. This is very much a personal preference
96537
If you are referring to the small charcoal filters at the end of the wand - this is users choice - if your water is clean then I doubt you need it. Try it without for a while and see if it makes a difference.
2110015
I can't really say for sure, but I don't think so. I don't notice the water being any "softer" with the filter.
1413887
Its not really a filter because it just uses the air bubbles to lift water to the charcoal canister and out the top. The charcoal canister ideally should be below the water line to promote more water flow. Your gravel ultimately becomes a biological filter as water is pulled up the tube.
1458701
I don't think so. The filter creates a water flow through the clear tubes by displacing the water on it towards the top with the air bubbles that grow in size due to lowering the column pressure. This flow suck the water from the gravel and filter the water through it. All the garbage stay in the gravel till you clean it. The problem is that 3 or 4 inches doesn't provide enough pressure column to make the principle works. But that is just my opinion. Good Luck!