Sand substrate, powerheads and my FX5

[digcolnagos]

I've had my 125 g tank up since May. The first powerhead lasted a couple of days, then died. Now, the replacement is dead. I suspect that sand might be involved, although I'm not sure. I'm also concerned about sand getting into my FX5 canister. It's happening. Questions:

1. Regarding the powerhead, I'm thinking I should place it higher (it's now halfway up on the end) and perhaps cover with nylon. Thoughts?

2. Regarding the FX5, I first raised the intake as high as it would go. I'd guess it's probably four inches above the substrate. Should I consider cutting the intake tube down to get it even higher? Nylon?

Any thoughts/suggestions welcome. I'm afraid of burning out the filter--losing a power head is bad enough.

[NancyD]

You can use a prefilter or just a filter sponge over the intakes. If you cut the intakes too short they'll lose the syphon if the water level drops. Try adjusting the return so the flow doesn't stir up the sand

[newshound]

yes cut the intake pipe... I have had sand in my fx5 B4 and it prob. isn't good.
Still working though

[Gary Mck]

Just out of interest what type of sand have you got? ie Fine, Medium or Coarse?

I accidently put 2 kilos of fine sand in my tank and it was a real pain, powerheads would whip it up. Med and Coarse stuff is great, doesn't move too much.

[digcolnagos]

Thanks to everyone for getting back.

After posting this plea, I did some online searching and have determined that I should switch sands. I now have play sand, and from everything I've read, pool filter sand might help solve the problem, it having heavier grains. Any input regarding merits of play sand versus pool filter sand would be much appreciated, as would the merits of going to any other kind of sand. And to anyone who has moved the filter intake up, how far? Like I said, I'm about four inches from substrate now, and some is getting in. With a 125 gallon tank, I'm not concerned about the water level falling so far that I start sucking air if I move it up a bit, but how far? Would halfway up be OK? Would there be any down side to that height? I absolutely LOVE my FX5 and would be supremely bummed if it burned out.

[bookpage]

I used play sand in two smaller tanks; 20 and 29. But, I changed them out to use pool filter sand.

I read that play sand has different size grains and packs so that pockets of gases occur. I had MTS in mine and I don't think that happened. But, it was in there only 3-4 months.

I used HOB filters and never had any problem with sand getting into them.

[NancyD]

I had play sand for a short time in 1 tank too, & switched to pool sand. The play sand had different looking "bits", different colors & sizes. Pool sand should say 100% quartz or silica & is graded by size. Shop around, it varies by location & shipment, some looked large & sharp to me. Pool sand is also much cleaner but you will still want to rinse it in a bucket or large tub & hose.

For the intake length I'd try cutting off a couple inches & see how that works, you can always cut some more.