How to prevent sand sucked into Cannister Filer?

[simonfish]

I have a 90G and 75G tank keeping South American Geophagus, I am using 3hang in the back filters and want to upgrade to use Cannister Filters. But I have a concern about the Cannister Filers will suck the sand(I use pool filtered sand) and got damage.

I prefer to keep using sand as I like to see the Geophagus shifting the sand for food.

[neven]

sponge prefilter or raise the intake higher would be your best bet.

[Rastapus]

Simonfish,
Yes, sponge filter over the intake is the best precaution. Sand will destroy your impeller and possibly your entire motor head.

[Trouble]

Had that happen. DO NOT ADD SANT WHEN FILTER IS ON. Make your intake shorter then they come and don't stir the sand unless you turn it off. The fish shouldn't move it around to much unless you have Cichlid's.

[2wheelsx2]

He has Geophagus, which, as you guessed it, are cichlids.

I'm planning on Geos and pool filter sand in my new tank also, hence, my intake will be 6" from the bottom.

[charles]

don't use sand

[2wheelsx2]

But sand is just soooo awesome Charles.

[charles]

especially for geo. keep the intake at least 12" off the bottom.

[tony1928]

Hi Simon,

Just use a prefilter over the intake and also keep the intake away from the bottom as others have said. My intake is about 8 inches off the bottom and some sand does get in from time to time. Not too much. It's an FX5 though and its pretty robust...not noticing any issues so far.

Can't not have sand for geos eh?

Tony

[fisherman]

get a very dense sponge pre filter??