Pre-filter sponge on filter intake?

[Garr218]

Hey all, does anyone use a ''prefilter sponge'' on their intake? I've been using it and I have an issue with poop getting ''stuck''. I have a flowerhorn in the tank so pretty sizeable poops. Any thoughts?

 

[FishEZ]

If you have that much excrement, I wouldn't be using a pre-sponge on the filter. You probably need some heavy duty filtering. Let the stuff through. I would think a pre-sponge filter is mainly to keep fry or other small inhabitants from getting sucked up. But maybe I don't understand your purpose intended.

 

[Dloks]

Hey all, does anyone use a ''prefilter sponge'' on their intake? I've been using it and I have an issue with poop getting ''stuck''. I have a flowerhorn in the tank so pretty sizeable poops. Any thoughts?

Isn’t that the point of having a filter is to remove poop and waste. I highly recommend you do not use a prefilter due to the fact they clog like crazy. Have you considered upgrading your filtration? An AC110 does a pretty solid job.

 

[tlindsey]

I have pre filter sponges on a couple of my aquariums but don't have that problem just have to vacuum substrate during wc's or like was stated maybe a stronger filter will help.

 

[tlindsey]

I have pre filter sponges on a couple of my aquariums but don't have that problem just have to vacuum substrate during wc's or like was stated maybe a stronger filter will help.

Only reason I use them is to keep sand from getting sucked into the intake of the HOB filter.

 

[Garr218]

Good points, I only used it cause the sponge fit perfectly on the intake and I wanted to keep it cycled. (I'm running a Fluval 306 btw)

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Good points, I only used it cause the sponge fit perfectly on the intake and I wanted to keep it cycled. (I'm running a Fluval 306 btw)

I don't usually use them because they are real clog magnets

 

[DaveAPBT]

I have had pre filter spongers on the intake of a couple of my cannister's before, worst thing ever as they clog up so easy & your filter can't pull the amount of watet that it needs to

 

[tiger15]

The only reason you use a prefilter is to prevent sucking fry. If you use it to prevent sucking sand, your filter suction power is too strong. The one filter I know powerful enough to suck sand is AC500, but it has a valve that allows you to dial it down.

 

[nossalucard]

A prefilter sponge to replace the intake of ANY FILTER helps to majorly prolong maintenance intervals, however you will have to pull the prefilter off and rinse it once per week. I can get away with 2-3 weeks as I only feed every other day on my large SA cichlid tanks.

Fish do NOT have to be fed HEAVILY(and should not, bad for their liver/organs), and you may be reducing their lifespan doing so. They don't feed HEAVILY every day in nature after all.

Most new aquarists (98%) generally overfeed in the beginning, as fish will continue to BEG for food, as their innate nature/sense tells them that they don't know when the next meal is coming, so they think they have to "pig out" every time.

If it requires it more than that, you are LIKELY overfeeding or overstocked....

P.S. I maintenance my HOB's(PP300, Aquaclear 200/300,Whisper 200) every 2-3 months, and my canisters(2217/FX6/SunSun 304B/FX4) every 6-12 months, but I clean their prefilters every water change in general (weekly or bi weekly)

YMMV....