Loaches Online Forum

Hey everyone,

I was hoping you all might be able to help us out. We recently replaced the gravel in our tank to sand. We have two Penguin 200 filters running on the tank.

How do we keep the sand from getting in the filters and ruining them? Does anyone have any suggestions on affordable filters to replace these?

I've been doing some searches on the forums, and can't really find a whole lot of information.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Kelly and Cody

I find that the sponges from an Aquaclear filter fitted over the intake works best. Some people also use nylon too.

For the sponge, I simply cut an "x" shape in one end of an appropriate size sponge and wiggle in over the intake...works like a charm!

You could also just pour a bit slower over a large piece of driftwood or rock to diffuse the flow so it doesn't hit the sand directly.

Tammy

Thanks! That seems like an easy and cheap fix to the problem. Now we'll see if I can clean all the sand out of the filters. Luckily, we have a spare filter we can throw on there.

What brand of sand are you using?

I use to get sand in my filters and plumbing when I was using playsand. I have switched to a different sand since.

I now use a really good quartz pool filter sand that has a larger consistent grain size. I also keep filter intakes atleast 6" above the sand.

Aquaclear are better filters than other HOB (Hang on Back) style filters.
I also use the Aquaclear sponge over the intakes of all my filters. Keeps the small fish out, too. It is also a little bit of added filtration, and is very high in nitrifying bacteria. Great way to jump start a new tank is to move this sponge over to the new tank, once it has been on the established tank for several weeks or a month.