Sponge over intake

[caterpillar5]

when people say that they put a sponge over the intake of the filter so that nothing can go through to damage the motor, what do they mean by that... i understand but still not exactly sure what it means. Anyone with a pic, much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[freshmike]

Well, the sponge before the intake can do a couple of things....if you have cichlids and have sand as a substrate, it can prevent the sand from being spit into the filter....thus damaging the impeller and shaft (which can be expensive), also, if you have smaller fish, it will prevent them from being sucked up into the filter as well. The sponge also makes for a really good pre-filter and extra habitat for bacteria. Hope this helps.....

Here is a pic of one of my old fry tanks....

 

[skye4jc]

cool pic... that explains it! B)