Dosing kalk right before filter sponge

[Vested]

Might be a stupid question but can't find a straight answer, I have been dosing kalk from a reactor into the first chamber of my sump (lots of flow right under the drains) this then falls into the filter sock area that I use a regular filter sponge in instead of floss/socks. Its mostly just to stop excess noise then actually pull any particulates. I've noticed the sponge deteriorating pretty quickly, is it possible that the kalk-wasser is causing this or making it happen faster? Any ideas for a different material "sponge" that can withstand better if so?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The local high pH may break down some materials. Without knowing what the sponge is made of, it's hard to know for sure if that is happening.

 

[Vested]

The local high pH may break down some materials. Without knowing what the sponge is made of, it's hard to know for sure if that is happening.

Ok thanks, so it is possible though depending on the material? Do you know what kind of material I should be looking for that is the most resistant? May just have to change how my sump works instead, don't like the idea of random sponge dissolving in the water lol.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Most sponges likely do not really tell you the composition, and most should be OK. I do not know if the might encounter sponges made from them, but I'd avoid polycarbonate and polyvinylalcohol.