Sand substrate and filters

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
K

KCLAMBERT

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 13, 2009
67
0
0
West Virginia
I am getting ready to setup my 125 peacock tank and would like to use sand as it is more natural to their habitat. Has anyone had any issues with filters sucking up sand. I use sand in my saltwater tank, but there are no fish in it that would dig up sand. I know that most cichlids like to dig at least somewhat and was wondering if the sand could potentially damage my filters (impellers). Would placing a filter media bag over the intakes help to prevent any potential problems without sacrificing flow rate?

Any advice?
 
Use a sponge prefilter on your intake. Cichlids will frequently carry a mouthful of sand over to the intake and spit it directly in just to piss you off.
 
Howdy,

Eheim filters have their pump on top the canister. No sand will ever make it into the impeller. :thumbsup:

HarleyK
 
HarleyK;4107365; said:
Howdy,

Eheim filters have their pump on top the canister. No sand will ever make it into the impeller. :thumbsup:

HarleyK
Click to expand...

Same design with the Rena XP2/3/4. When I clean the XP4 on my 150G, I usually remove a few table spoons of sand from the bottom. However, the filter has been running for over three years with no noise or noticeable loss of flow.
 
This is never a problem with sumps, and their really easy to maintain. Makes me wonder why people don't use them more often.
 
bob965;4106533; said:
Use a sponge prefilter on your intake. Cichlids will frequently carry a mouthful of sand over to the intake and spit it directly in just to piss you off.
Click to expand...
and they'll do that right when you are looking too...lil sob's...:ROFL:

KCLAMBERT;4106478; said:
I am getting ready to setup my 125 peacock tank and would like to use sand as it is more natural to their habitat. Has anyone had any issues with filters sucking up sand. I use sand in my saltwater tank, but there are no fish in it that would dig up sand. I know that most cichlids like to dig at least somewhat and was wondering if the sand could potentially damage my filters (impellers). Would placing a filter media bag over the intakes help to prevent any potential problems without sacrificing flow rate?

Any advice?
Click to expand...
I am assuming you are using Canisters or HOB's?

Those prefilters from DrsFoster and Smith work wonders...
the "reticulated foam" one (#III) has very open pores and even though the sand will bury deep in the foam it won't make it to the impeller on a HOB...
As stated above, some canisters will pickup a little sand but depending on design, none will make it to the impeller...;)
 
Thanks for all the info. Yes these are HOB I am referring to. I'm using 2 Aquaclear 110's. I think I will use a pre-filter on the intake tubes. I have sand in my marine tank and have both a HOB and a canister on it, but none of the fish in there dig into the sand (the only area they could do that is at the front of the tank due to the live rock).
 
bob965;4106533; said:
Use a sponge prefilter on your intake. Cichlids will frequently carry a mouthful of sand over to the intake and spit it directly in just to piss you off.
Click to expand...

:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL: im laughing cause its true hahah
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom