Sand As Substrate In Freshwater Tank

[flyrfrk33]

I have a 30 gallon fresh tank with 2 different cichlids, rainbow shark, and 2 upsidedown catfish. All of the fish get along real well. That is not my issue. My issue is that I have sand as my substrate for better looks but it keeps making my filters break/make really scary noises. I can only clean out the filter so often. On the filter i have a piece of foam to help keep the sand out, but it still gets through. Right now I have a MarineLand Emperor Bio Wheel, I have previously had an Aquaclear. Both seem to be having the same problem.

Does anyone know any tricks to keep the stand out of the filter? Is my best option to just take out the sand? Appreciate your help

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

snip

How odd, i never have any problems with much sand getting in my filters. They certainly do not break, or make noises becuase of it.

What type of sand are you using?

 

[elisew]

I may be wrong but the only reason I can think of as to why sand gets into your filter, is that maybe your inlet pipe is too close to the bottom of the tank?

I`ve had gravel and pebbles in my tank previously and I now have sand, I have never had any trouble whatsoever with substrate getting into the filter

 

[flyrfrk33]

I moved the inlet pipe a bit higher and I am hoping that helps. Maybe its because the cichlids are going a bit wild and stir up the sand sometimes. But that doesnt happen that often where I can see it being a problem. I moved the inlet pipe up last night. Also, cleaned out all of the stand that was currently in the filter.

I am hoping this will sovle the issue.

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

So you had the intake touching, or next to the sand?

Not suprising really! Mine sits 1-2 inches above the sand level. I have Geophagus also, so fish stirring up the sand should not be an issue.

 

[alex.wardle]

if your problem persists may be trying adding some filter floss as this wont allow sand thu it but will need changing every few weeks.(you can use cushion filler from dunelm)