Sponge cover for intake

[NickD]

I have a Fluval 305 in my 65g. The cherry shrimp in there will soon be having babies so I'd like to put a sponge over the intake to keep the shrimp from being sucked in. My question is whether Fluval (or some other manufacturer) sells a sponge specifically for this intake? Or can I just use some brand new unused cleaning sponge and wrap it around the intake? Any type of sponge to avoid?

 

[The Zigman]

I used cut to size filter floss over the intake of mine and secured it with rubber bands.
I have seen the shrimp on the floss picking through it for food.

I also cut an old net, and rubber banded it to the intake for the same purpose.
both seemed to work fine as I have a bazillion baby RCS now..

 

[feemia]

I use these on all my filters.

http://www.petmountain.com/product/...ocean-foam-pre-filter-replacement-2-pack.html

 

[meili.harrison]

I use the aquaclear foam and cut a hole in middle. Works great!

 

[svf]

I have also used the Aqua Clear foam and cut a hole in the middle. Actually I just took a sharp pair of scissors and cut a slit and stretched it over the intake. Worked beautifully.

 

[NeonFlux]

Will these work great if you are using it for baby fish fries?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i use cut down ac 110 sponges but there are many pre filters also.

 

[NickD]

Thanks folks. Now I finally know what a "pre-filter" is.

I also was doing some more searching online and saw that some people use "open cell" foam from hobby shops to make sponge filters. Anyone here use foam from hobby shops?

 

[Fordtrannyman]

Here's a visual aid for you. AC 20 sponge-I think.

 

[Que]

I grabbed some large open cell packing foam from work that looks just like the above but mine is black/grey. Works great at keeping cherries out.

Q