Need something to attach around current filter

[Jennet]

From an older thread on here I have found that chili rasboras can get sucked into filter inlets due to their small size. As this is one of the fish I wish to keep, I am sending for some packs of filter foam that I can cut to size to put around the outside of my filter in order to make it safe for them, or for any shrimp I decide to keep in future.

Can people please advise me what I can use to attach this to my filter please. My initial thought was to use cable ties, but as these are plastic, I am unsure about using them. Thanks.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

It is impirtant not to use foam that has very small holes, The holes in foam are measured in ppi.

PPI = pores per inch:
45 PPI = very fine; 30 PPI = fine; 20 PPI = medium; 10 PPI = coarse

Ideally 10 ppi is the choice for a pre-filter. Prefilerters are intended to trp larger particle before they can gett into the meddia insidcde the filter. It will also keep small sritters from being sucked inside.

I used prefilters on almost all things which move water inside a tank- filters, powerheads and even some pumps. I used to use a foam block used in the Aquaclear 110. But once I discoverd Poret foam I switched to that as my primary filer media and wells fop making prefilters. I do not do any thing more than how. I make the place where the filter intake goes. Here is my process.

1. I cut a rectangular piece close the what will be the final size of the prefilter foam.
2. I use a scissors to cut an X into the top of the block being sure not to breach the bottom of the foam.
3. I pull it onto the intake tube which is not attached to the filter at this time. It should fit tightly enough that I do not need to do anything more to attach it.
4. By holdimg the free end of the intake tube, I then trim the rectangle into a more cylidrical shape.

When done it looks like this one in the discus tank:

Or these two in the plant tank::

By cutting the X rather than trying to drill a hole, the foam grabs onto the uplift tube.


If you lived on this side of the pond I would send you a chunck of my 10 ppi Poret foam. Before using the 10 ppi I used the 20 ppi. I would not use a higher ppi than 20. It is importaant to rinse out the prefilter foam weekly. If it clogs it can slow or even stop water from getting into the filter.

 

[Uberhoust]

I don't have small fish but on the filter intake I use a fine substrate bag over the filter. Because it is not foam it is easier to clean off, for your case I would tie off the top around the intake line. Like others I use it as a pre filter, because of its use I only clean the real filter on a multiple month basis, usually every 6 months. The photo shows mine is not entirely sealed at the top but is tight enough that much doesn't affect it. The bag is held closed by a string with a counter weight outside of the tank, makes taking it off easy.

 

[Tomsfish]

I used stainless steel strainers for my fry tanks that I ran HOBs on besides sponges.
They were easy to rinse and look ok IMO.

Amazon UK has them you just need to know your tube size as they come in different sized opennings.
There are also many choices of round pre filter sponges to choose from.


For your sponge cutting an x as Two Tank Amin said is the best way IMO.
Your zip ties would work fine and there is no problem with using them in water that I ever experienced.

 

[Jennet]

This is the filter I use. I have also ordered some filter foams, 3 grades, coarse, medium and fine. I have some fine, pure cotton thread that I attached some of my plants to wood and rocks with, whilst the roots grow in. I could make a plaited rope of this, and use it to tie the coarse foam around the outlets like you have TwoTankAdmin.

But I will also look to see if I can find some netting material that is fine enough to stop tiny fish and shrimps getting through. None of the nets I have seen so far will be small enough for this, and where the material is appropriate, the nets are to small to fit over the filter.

I had thought of using net window curtain, but think that is bleached. I wonder if this would matter, as any amount of bleach will be washed out now if I use some old net that I have got. Otherwise, I would have to find something like I made the underskirts of my bridesmaids outfits out of I suppose. It looks like the picture Uberhoust put up of their black bag.

It is way too big to get a stainless steel cage fitted around it like Tomsfish strainers.

OK, that has given me something to be going on with. Thanks all.

Finest-Filters Pond Foam Filter Media Pack (Set of 3) 17" x 11" Coarse, Medium and Fine.​

 

[Uberhoust]

Not sure where the inlets are, assuming they are the sections with the grills on the side on each section below the power head. If this is the case then if the filter media pushes against the grill from the inside then you might not have an issue. Otherwise you might be able to put some additional foam into the filter section to ensure the inlet grills are blocked from the inside. I don't think my original solution would work well in this scenario.

 

[Jennet]

I was hoping to get some circular foam filters like I've seen on here with a foam filter tube either side of a central line, but the ones that I am looking at on Amazon UK have got quite a few breakages or stopped working after 6 months or so. Even the Hygger one that is supposed to be good. Only found Amazon so far that tends to allow folk to write honest reviews and not have them taken down. We do not appear to have a wide choice of them over here yet.

Hey ho! Onward and upwards