finray56
Well-Known Member
I'm sure a lot of community members here would agree that for HOTB filters Aqua Clear makes one of the best. We have no less than 10 running on our tanks right now. I was just curious how many here have ordered a replacement sponge only to receive a sponge that is NOT the same quality as the sponge supplied with the filter when you purchased it. I needed fresh sponges after years of use and ordered replacements only to find out that they are completely inferior to the sponge supplied with the filter when new. Within the first 6-8 months I noticed that my new sponge was basically breaking down with chunks and particles falling off.
I am very surprised as these are all packaged in the normal AC packaging but they are basically garbage compared to the original sponge provided with the filter. I'm wondering if there is some cost cutting going on here to prevent customers from getting the original sponges because they just last too long and therefor we wouldn't be replacing them as often. I'm sure some will say just use something else and that's cool, however if I'm purchasing the replacement sponge shouldn't I be able to expect the same quality as the original.
Needless to say I won't be buying their brand in the future, I will purchase bulk quality sponge and cut it to fit. I was mainly curious how many other people had noticed the difference.
I am very surprised as these are all packaged in the normal AC packaging but they are basically garbage compared to the original sponge provided with the filter. I'm wondering if there is some cost cutting going on here to prevent customers from getting the original sponges because they just last too long and therefor we wouldn't be replacing them as often. I'm sure some will say just use something else and that's cool, however if I'm purchasing the replacement sponge shouldn't I be able to expect the same quality as the original.
Needless to say I won't be buying their brand in the future, I will purchase bulk quality sponge and cut it to fit. I was mainly curious how many other people had noticed the difference.