I'm planning on getting an ADF when my 5.5g betta tank finishes it's cycle. From what I've read it's best to cover the filter intake with some pourous cloth (gonna ask my mom for old pantyhose, lol). Doesn't this reduce the filter's effectiveness by a lot since it would block out large particles in the water? I have an Aquaclear with two sponges and Biomax on top. This should reduce the current too which I wouldn't mind since I'd prefer if it was lower (it's set to the lowest already).
Covering filter intake
- Thread starter Bender81
- Start date
I used a piece of sponge to cover my intake on an Aqua Clear mini filter in a 5.5g tank. The sponge does trap some debris, but you are right, it will prevent large pieces of detritus (which you can easily scoop out with a net) from getting in the filter. In my case it stopped duckweed from getting sucked into the filter. In some ways this is a good thing as it may prevent your filter from clogging (or keep duckweek out). I also found that having the prefilter on the intake did not appreciably slow down the filter flow or reduce the current.
Thanks. How do you use a sponge to cover the intake though? Cut out a rectangular piece and hollow out the middle with a knife?
I've tried putting a piece of sponge where the water pours out but that just made the water go straight down. Less surface current, but the down current goes right on my tiger vals and my betta likes to pass by there. It shoots him straight down and I can tell he doesn't like it.
I've tried putting a piece of sponge where the water pours out but that just made the water go straight down. Less surface current, but the down current goes right on my tiger vals and my betta likes to pass by there. It shoots him straight down and I can tell he doesn't like it.
I like intakes with sponges. It is good for the filter and leaves more room for bio filter media. Here is something I learned. Take a sponge make sure it has lots of air holes. You should be able to blow through it more or less. Fill it with water and stick it in the freezer. When it is frozen drill a hole in it about half way down and the same size (or a little smaller) than your intake. Presto. If you want to cut it to size use a saw while it is frozen.
i use to tie a piece of fine mesh (cut moms panty hoes ) in to the strainer ,,,i used a rubber band to secure it,,worked great but clogged pretty quick