Snail proof filter intake

[Ally100500]

I lost my mystery snail, Harry, to the filter about a week ago. He got pulled into in the intake and died during the night. It was horrible finding him like that! The filter is an Aqua Clear. Any ideas on how to safeguard this before I get another snail?

[rbishop]

Slip a sponge on to it, like the ones used for powerheads.

[Ally100500]

Thanks I'll have to get one!

[Malbri]

or you can put pantyhose over it

[GoldLenny]

I don't think a healthy fish, snail, etc., should get "caught" on the intake screen. The only complaint that I've read about on the AC intake screen is with planted tanks where the intake screen gets clogged up too easily because it only has a relatively few bars compared to some other intake screens/strainer. You can replace the intake screen/strainer with the 1" box type, https://www.marineland.com/store/1-Strainer-P215C0.aspx which has more surface area so when one section of the screen gets clogged, there is still plenty of other slots for water to get sucked in. This creates less risk of there being too much suction from a single section where even a sick fish would get stuck to the screen. From what I've read in other threads, the above part will slip over the intake tube of the AC and fit snuggly so nothing else needs to be done.

BigAlsOnline.com has it even cheaper than from Marineland... only $2.49 http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18665/si1379768/cl0/marinelandeclipseintakestrainer

[Ally100500]

Harry was a happy healthy guy. He was a very active snail. He was always snailing around the glass and driftwood. When I found him his whole body was inside the tube upside down as if he were crawling down it and got stuck.
That intake that you listed looks perfect Lenny. As always you rule.

[Jaz]

I have had more than a few snails get stuck on intakes.....then die.
I smartened up a few months back and put a sponge prefilter on and no more deaths.
You should be fine with the pantyhose too Ally........RIP Harry :)

[Mgamer20o0]

i used sponges on all my intakes. for that reason alone.