Filter intake cover for sand substrate tank?

[Twelve]

I have a sand substrate in my tank. Since sand was getting kicked up and was being sucked in by the filter, I covered the intake with a piece of a filter bag that I cut to fit and tied on with fishing line. This keeps the sand out of the filter, but the problem is that I think this is hard on the filter -- it doesn't even function at half the rate it does without something covering the intake.

So my question is, for those that have sand, how do you keep sand out of your filter? Any ideas or suggestions appreciated! Thanks.

 

[OrionGirl]

I shorten the intake so that it isn't low enough to pick up any sand.

 

[StreetCypher]

Keep the intake a little higher off the bottom. Also, i use sponge to prefilter all my intakes.

 

[Signus]

When you say a sponge, do you mean just take a bathing sponge from the local Walmart and then cut it to fit at the end of the intake tip? I don't really understand.

 

[cgrabe]

No, it has to be open-celled foam like this. I have no idea if that particular one is suitable in this case, but that's the type you should be aiming for.

 

[ChicoRaton]

it's best to use filter sponge. Either get one made for an aquaclear 300 or order the bulk sponge freom big al's. Then cut a slit in it and slide it over the filter intake. Other sponges may be treated with chemicals that can be harmful to fish.

[edit] ahh, you beat me to it!

 

[Signus]

Ahhhh.... gotcha. Thank you very much! Always wondered if people were just talking about some sponge that they harvested from the sea and decided to place on the intake's head.

 

[Twelve]

Thanks SO much for the responses and for the link especially. I am going to order one of those sponges right now!

I can't shorten the filter intake any more than I have, so I'm sure the sponge will work great.

 

[StreetCypher]

am going to order one of those sponges right now!

The sponges are great, but you can just buy it bulk from the LFS and cut it yourself. It'll save you money and you'll get more than if you order a premade prefilter sponge.