So my plan is to replace the gravel in my 55 with red or black sand. But I've been hearing that sand will clog or obstruct the filter so I was wanting to know what pre-filter is compatible with the Marineland Emperor 350. Was also planning on getting some MTS so the sand won't compact. I've looked online for some pre-filters but I can't tell if they'll fit the Emperor's square intake tube.
sand and filters
- Thread starter TRSickler
- Start date
Every tank I've had in the last few years has always been a sand substrate and I've never used any form of a prefilter. As long as you take the time to wash it first, you shouldn't have any problems.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
I agree with this. I have a sand substrate tank with an emperor 400 and I just wrap some filter pad around it and staple it together so it doesnt come unraveled. Works very well.
people said the same thing about my fx5 and sand not getting along but i had my input only 4in above my sand and i never had any problems. i would find some sand in the canister but it would always be on the bottom and never clog anything.
I'd worry more about the MTS getting in the 350 filter .although I have sand based tanks the larger cichlids stirred it up enough to ruin 2 fx5 impellers
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
It's not so much that sand clogs filters, but if a couple grains enter the volute, the sand can ruin the impeller. It either gets into the slot that hold the impeller in place while it spins and erodes the shaft, or slot, or sand can simply pit the impeller itself throwing it out of line, and in the end rendering it useless. This often doesn't happen quickly but once in slowly degrades the pump.
I use pool filter sand which is heavy and less likely to get sucked in, but I still take my pumps apart and clean out the volutes as part of regular maintenance, due to things getting in pumps.
But as stated above MTS snails can do the same thing.
here is a volute ruined by a grain of something
and if you look inside, you can see a sort of figure 8 has been worn away by a wobbling impeller. A new impeller could not salvage this pump once it was worn away.
I use pool filter sand which is heavy and less likely to get sucked in, but I still take my pumps apart and clean out the volutes as part of regular maintenance, due to things getting in pumps.
But as stated above MTS snails can do the same thing.
here is a volute ruined by a grain of something
and if you look inside, you can see a sort of figure 8 has been worn away by a wobbling impeller. A new impeller could not salvage this pump once it was worn away.
I should also say that in my experience I have never had the intake as low as some people like to put them. I have my intake about half way down the tank. I also only ever used pool filter sand. It is fairly heavy and in my experience doesn't stir up to much by the fish I've kept.
Once a month I go through this routine during a water change. I turn off all filters and with my hand I stir up every inch of the substrate as I can then let it settle for about fifteen minutes. I start doing my water change, keep my hose about half an inch above the sand and pick mostly everything up. As I'm filling back up and a large majority of everything has settled back down, I turn my filters back on. I feel that this along with thorough filter cleaning, is the reason I've never lost a filter due to sand.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Once a month I go through this routine during a water change. I turn off all filters and with my hand I stir up every inch of the substrate as I can then let it settle for about fifteen minutes. I start doing my water change, keep my hose about half an inch above the sand and pick mostly everything up. As I'm filling back up and a large majority of everything has settled back down, I turn my filters back on. I feel that this along with thorough filter cleaning, is the reason I've never lost a filter due to sand.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
I had sand in my sons tank purchased from the lfs and had nothing but problems with it, just to light I had to switch it out for gravel. I used pfs in another tank and had absolutly no issues, I am jot in the process of removing the gravel from my son tank and going with pfs. Cleaning is easier. Imo you should be fine with pfs.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Sent from my SPH-L710 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Just switched over my 100g from gravel to play sand. I went to Home Depot and they didn't have pfs. So I went with play sand which is basically the same from what I read. Cleaned it very very well. I didn't drain the tank cause the tank has been cycled for 5 month's now. Lucky there are no fish atm so I am waiting for the water to clear more. I heard it takes 3-4hrs for the water to start clearing. I'm turning the tank into a earth eater all tank. Maybe 1-2 other fish but that's it. Here's a couple of pics with the play sand. Note this is right after I threw in the sand and put all the decorations in. Also, I moved my intake for both canisters about 6" from the top of the sand. I didn't want to run the risk of messing up both of my canisters. I took someone's advice on this thread about moving up the intake filter.
Sent from my XT1080 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
Sent from my XT1080 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App