Pre Filter Sponge

[Playsander]

I have come across somthing called "pre filter sponges" online.
They sound like a good idea.
Anyone have experience with these?

What is an Aquarium Pre-Filter Sponge and Why Do I Need One?

Looking for an easy way to optimize your aquarium filter? Find out why we use a pre filter sponge with all of our hang-on-back and canister filters.

www.aquariumcoop.com

 

[BrianK]

I wouldn't unless you need to. They are good at keeping shrimp or fry out of the filter but they clog up fairly quickly.

 

[Archerfish]

I have come across somthing called "pre filter sponges" online.
They sound like a good idea.
Anyone have experience with these?

What is an Aquarium Pre-Filter Sponge and Why Do I Need One?

Looking for an easy way to optimize your aquarium filter? Find out why we use a pre filter sponge with all of our hang-on-back and canister filters.

www.aquariumcoop.com

I used them with canister filters. I that application, they work well. I have one in use outside in a 40-gallon porch pond. It is made by Eheim. Are you looking to prefilter an HOB or canister?

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Except for my filters which are actually foam (better than sponge). I pre-filter all of my intakes. It is important not to let these clog. I use a few of the ATI pre-filters but I mostly make my own from 10 or 20 ppi foam or else I use one of the coarser Aquaclear foams which are normally used in their 500 gph model.

The pre-filters are there to trat larger particles before they enter the filter. This means the media inside the filter clogs less rapidly which also means it needs to be rinsed less frequently.

 

[Ichthys]

I tend to keep big fish, with canisters. I use big black pond foam blocks as prefilters. They don’t get clogged as they’re quite coarse, but they stop the “big bits” and lengthen the intervals between filter cleans.

 

[Slaphppy7]

I use these instead of sponges...easy to clean, neater looking, and no messy sponges to deal with

Stainless Steel Mesh Pre-Filter Intake Guards For Aquariums Shrimps Tanks

www.jungleaquashrimp.com

 

[Uberhoust]

I occasionally use pre filters to keep small fish out of the intakes. They work good but you have to remember to removed the debris that collect on them from the tank. Often the material can fall off during maintenance. On my larger filters AC 70 / AC 110 / Fluval 407 I find a normal sponge reduces the flow too much. For those filters I use a fine mesh bag that is held away from the intake with a small section of PVC pipe with large holes drilled in it, put the pipe, about 8" by 2" over the intake then wrap the whole thing in a mesh bag. This provides a pre-filter with a much larger surface area which doesn't restrict the flow.

 

[sharkweek178]

I have come across somthing called "pre filter sponges" online.
They sound like a good idea.
Anyone have experience with these?

What is an Aquarium Pre-Filter Sponge and Why Do I Need One?

Looking for an easy way to optimize your aquarium filter? Find out why we use a pre filter sponge with all of our hang-on-back and canister filters.

www.aquariumcoop.com

I use them with my HOB filters. It's like adding a little sponge filter to your HOB. And it keeps larger particles from going into your filter. Sometimes I see my fish pecking at it. All you have to do is squeeze it out in used tank water when you do a water change. I recommend them.

 

[Playsander]

I use them with my HOB filters. It's like adding a little sponge filter to your HOB. And it keeps larger particles from going into your filter. Sometimes I see my fish pecking at it. All you have to do is squeeze it out in used tank water when you do a water change. I recommend them.

I use a canister external filter. Fluval 307. Still recommended?

 

[sharkweek178]

I use a canister external filter. Fluval 307. Still recommended?

I can't say. I've never used a canister filter.

 

[Uberhoust]

I will use a pre filter on my Fluval 407. The intake screen is larger, so if you use a sponge you might want something the size of an Aquaclear 70 sponge.