Terrified of filter sucking up fish

[mrsjoannh13]

Okay so this may be an irrational fear.... but I read a lot of reviews online and keep seeing comments from people - across various brands - that their fish got sucked up into the filter somehow. I'm fairly new to the hobby and I just don't see how this is possible with the filters I have and am looking closely at. I have a 10 gallon Marina tank with the filter that came from the kit (It's a Marina S15 HOB filter and seems to be working great so far). I just bought a 20 gallon TopFin kit from PetSmart with the included TopFin filter (Top Fin Silentstream 20 Power Filter). I've seen comments about the TopFin filter sucking up fish. I took a close look at the filter and can't really see where the fish would get pulled in or injured.

I was considering getting a Fluval AquaClear HOB filter for the TopFin kit but read reviews that mentioned the same thing about the Fluval filter. So what's a girl to do? Any advice here? My daughter's tank has some small-ish fish (skirt tetras) and I would hate for something like this to happen to them.

Thanks!

 

[mcordelia]

you want what is called an "intake sponge" it's a cylindrical sponge that fits over the intake tube holey thing and basically makes it impossible for fish to get stuck to it because the force at the edge of the sponge is so small that unless a fish is dead or very ill it will be able to pry itself off. Here is an example: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fluval-edge-pre-filter-sponge-pack-of-1-1278231

It adds to your maintenance, since every time you clean your filter you also have to swish your intake sponge in old tank water as well.

you can either make one yourself, or buy pre-designed ones. In some cases, if your filter doesn't have a compatible one for sale, you can also take a sponge filter sponge and put it over the intake.

 

[mcordelia]

I did want to add that in general, unless a fish is already ill or on its way out, a regular HOB is not usually strong enough to suction and kill a fish. But you're right, it can happen to compromised fish that may otherwise have been saved with medication/salt.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

you want what is called an "intake sponge" it's a cylindrical sponge that fits over the intake tube holey thing and basically makes it impossible for fish to get stuck to it because the force at the edge of the sponge is so small that unless a fish is dead or very ill it will be able to pry itself off. Here is an example: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fluval-edge-pre-filter-sponge-pack-of-1-1278231

It adds to your maintenance, since every time you clean your filter you also have to swish your intake sponge in old tank water as well.

you can either make one yourself, or buy pre-designed ones. In some cases, if your filter doesn't have a compatible one for sale, you can also take a sponge filter sponge and put it over the intake.

Thanks for the info! The current 10g has one of those little sponge things on the bottom of the tube that extends down into the water - the intake? The 20g filter (the TopFin brand) does not have anything to go over that tube (they call it a 'strainer'). I am planning on taking the one from my 10g when I move the fish this weekend into the 20g and put that sponge over the strainer. Should that do the trick? Assuming the spongey thing is the same or similar size and will fit the TopFin piece.

 

[mcordelia]

that'll be totally fine. If it doesn't cover the strainer fully, then it's not going to be as effective and may be a bit counterproductive (the open hole(s) will have increased flow compared to no sponge), but if it covers all the strainer holes then you should be fine

 

[mcordelia]

also thanks re: "strainer"! I knew it had a real name!!

 

[Fish4dawin]

I have never had a fish sucked into a filter as far as I recall. I doubt it would happen though. What fish are you intending to put with your skirt tetras? Just a general question

 

[mrsjoannh13]

I have never had a fish sucked into a filter as far as I recall. I doubt it would happen though. What fish are you intending to put with your skirt tetras? Just a general question

I am not adding any other types of fish - just the white skirt tetras. There will be 6 or 7 of them in the 20 gallon once I upgrade. None of them are what I'd consider babies. They are all in the 1 1/2" range at this point.

 

[Fish4dawin]

Oh ok, well you might want to look at some bottom feeders like corys. They will help clean up the substrate and whilst you have the tetras in there you should still have a bit of room in your tank for some corys provided you do water changes weekly

 

[Fishmanic]

I never has an issue with my skirt tetras getting sucked onto or into my aquaclear50. In a different tank, I did have small neon tetras get stuck on the strainer and die.
You should be fine with your good sized white skirt terras even without a sponge filter over the strainer. I wouldnt worry.

A sponge over the strainer would be recommended though if you had tiny fry.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

I never has an issue with my skirt tetras getting sucked onto or into my aquaclear50. In a different tank, I did have small neon tetras get stuck on the strainer and die.
You should be fine with your good sized white skirt terras even without a sponge filter over the strainer. I wouldnt worry.

A sponge over the strainer would be recommended though if you had tiny fry.

I have a sponge from my old tank that I'll (hopefully) be able to use in the new, larger one. Otherwise I'll buy one. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Fishmar]

there are also a few companies that make stainless steel cylindrical filter guards. i use these in shrimp tanks.

 

[mcordelia]

Oh those are nifty! What's the maintenance on them? Same as a sponge (swish and rinse), or do you just gravel vac near them and stuff comes off?

 

[porl66]

You could also tie some tights to the intake on your filter.