Invert Filter Issues

[black_sun]

Well, for the last few days my filter has been operating at sub-par levels and I couldn't figure out why.

This morning, however, I happened to notice little claws sticking out of the bottom of my filter. And shortly after, this came crawling out:

The little bugger has been dragging plant pieces up into the filter and making himself a little nest of sorts. Apparently, he's too good for the standard PVC pipe homes that the other crayfish use.

But anyway, my filter doesn't filter with nests built inside of it obviously. I was wondering if I put netting or mesh or something around the filter, would it still filter properly? I can't really afford to let the water quality drop with this particular group of crays, so I don't want to do anything that could affect the filter's capacity to function (you know, more so than the darn nest building crayfish has).

Also, if the mesh/netting isn't an issue for use. It won't be an issue for the inverts, will it? I have some snails in there, too, they won't try to eat it or something will they? I know my crayfish will try, but they'll stop shortly after finding out it doesn't taste good.

Thanks for any thoughts! ^_^

 

[vampie]

Many people use stockings or sponges as pre-filters. It keeps inhabitants out of the filter, and won't heavily hinder flow.

 

[black_sun]

Ooo, a use for the stockings I'll never use. Awesome! (actually, that's really awesome... I was thinking I was going to have to cut up one of my nets or fishing shirts)

 

[vampie]

Be sure to clean it regularly though, since it will eventually clog and that will severely slow your filter down.

 

[Kashta]

Ooo, a use for the stockings I'll never use. Awesome! (actually, that's really awesome... I was thinking I was going to have to cut up one of my nets or fishing shirts)

Haha.. if it helps any, you can get one of those packages of knee-high stockings sold in little bulk packages at the checkout counter of drug stores and the like. This spares you from having to actually walk through the feminine products aisle. Just do your best to keep a straight face when the sales person rings up your order.. and don't ever tell anyone about it. lol. (We promise to keep it a secret, too.)

:lipssealedsmilie:

 

[black_sun]

Haha.. if it helps any, you can get one of those packages of knee-high stockings sold in little bulk packages at the checkout counter of drug stores and the like. This spares you from having to actually walk through the feminine products aisle. Just do your best to keep a straight face when the sales person rings up your order.. and don't ever tell anyone about it. lol. (We promise to keep it a secret, too.)

:lipssealedsmilie:

Luckily for me, I have about 20 unopened packages of assorted knee-highs and regular stockings from waaaaay back in the day when mother-dearest still hoped her little girl would grow out of the tomboy phase. Needless to say, 10 years later, I'm still a tomboy and those stockings are collecting dust lol.

(You should see me in the feminine products aisle though, I look so incredibly out of place with my baggy, goth-rocker clothing and assorted piercings and hairstyles. I get the oddest looks from both the customers and the employees lmao)

 

[Kashta]

How funny. lol. At least you're stocked up already and get to find some use for them after all.

 

[bettabrat]

Get yourself a little tiny scrub brush thing too because the hose will probably gunk up once a week and need a good cleaning. I went that route for a little while and then I just invested in some thin sponges...but this was in a shrimp tank.

WooHoo for practical uses for old stockings! :headbang2::lol:

I guess your cray thought the tank needed a little redecorating...

 

[black_sun]

Get yourself a little tiny scrub brush thing too because the hose will probably gunk up once a week and need a good cleaning. I went that route for a little while and then I just invested in some thin sponges...but this was in a shrimp tank.

WooHoo for practical uses for old stockings! :headbang2::lol:

I guess your cray thought the tank needed a little redecorating...

...but if I use a scrub brush I'll get a run in my stockings! lol

And yes, apparently the little thing thinks he's an interior decorator. I saw him dragging plants back up into the filter this morning, after I just scooped them all out again last night. He's determined. :headshake2:

 

[bettabrat]

I can't stop laughing, I can so see a determined crayfish ripping through the panty hose now steady stuffing away with the plants. What species is that one?