Fully agreed that the water should be pretty much particulate free when it hits the bio-media. it just stands to work better in every way if it is (less plugging of media etc.) Intake sponges can and will do this if it is the right sponge and the right set-up, On my Emp 400, I have a fairly fine intake sponge, and the sponges in the filter well don't pick up much dirt at all. in my AC 500 I have a coarse sponge, and I have to clean the internal sponges every 4 weeks or so. Big difference, and a lot more work with the AC filter until I get a finer sponge on it.
Dave
Dave
