A Little Filtration Problem Help Please

[markspark]

The problem im having is that I have a 5x2x2 tank with 2 fluval 305’s running, the tank has a good few pieces of planted bog wood it does look quite good. The problem im having is that the fish tend to break off the plants and they then go through the filter and get stuck in the pre filter sponge and start to rot down now this combined with the fish waste and other items the pre filter tend to block and slow/stop the water flow back into the tank. Normally I would clean the filters in used tank water but the sponges are that dirty I have no option but to run them under the tap with pressure to dislodge the dirt. Have you any ideas how I can overcome the problem im having (I don’t want to remove the plants)
TIA

 

[hanny93]

Place a bit of netting over the intake? It would at least stop large bits of plant getting into it?

Or you could just replace the filter wool more often? A big bag of it costs £2 at my lfs, not branded or anything, it doesnt mneed to be!

 

[markspark]

thanks for reply i do change it every 3 days as it is and the pre filter is sponge not filter wool so dont reall think that would help as wool if finer that the sponge

 

[hanny93]

Then why don't you put filter wool in? It would certainly stop all the bits of stuff getting into the prefilter.

 

[markspark]

if i replace the sponge with wool it would just block up quicker, when i say block up i mean there is no water being returned to the tank as it c\n't get any as the intake is blocked

 

[hanny93]

No I mean just shove some on the top of the prefilter, it will stop the plants and stuff getting in to the filter, its what i do and i dont get anything bigger than a grain of sand in the sponges.

Or just put a pair of tights over the intake, and just remove and replace as and when.

Or superglue your plants to the bogwood?