How to stop fry from being sucked into the filter??

crazie.eddie

You can use that, but why not just buy an AC (AquaClear) foam filter and just cut a hole in the middle of it.

saganco

Well the easy but embarrassing answer would be - because I don't know what that looks like or what type (if there are several choices). I looked at my fav online store petsolutions.com, but they have a zillion aquaclear filter media options, and I don't know if that's what you're referring to. If so, why would it be a better choice since I have to drill the hole vs one that just slips over the intake? I'm not being argumentative here, just totally ignorant!

crazie.eddie

Take a look at the media foam that came with your AC filter and see if it looks like it could fit the filter intake if you cut a hole in it. If not, then look into getting a larger foam insert. What model AC filter do you have?

trreherd

I have had fry in my tank before and my guppie just gave birth again and what i found is that as long as the place were your fry like to stay(mine stay in the live plants at the top of the tank) is away frow the filter intake it will not be a problem at all.
Think about it if your fry are liveing in some floating plants at one end of the tank and the filter intake is at the other than there is no reason the fry should get sucked in.
And by the way i have used the aquatec 5-15 in a 5 gallon tank and i dident think the current was too strong.

saganco

Eddie, You said, "Take a look at the media foam that came with your AC filter and see if it looks like it could fit the filter intake if you cut a hole in it. If not, then look into getting a larger foam insert. What model AC filter do you have?"

I am confused because all I have is the Aqua-Tech that came with the tank. It' just little "pad" type of filtration, like a scrubbie you would use in the kitchen, and another scrubbie type of material full of charcoal....

crazie.eddie

Sorry, I thought you had an AquaClear filter. Do know what model filter do you have?

saganco

Oops, my apologies, I thought I put that in an earlier post - probably just meant to... It's an Aqua-Tech Power Filter 5/15. I know that the little slip on round ones will fit over the intake if that is what is a good thing without clogging up the pre filter and slowing everything down... come to think of it, that might not be so bad either...

saganco

Actually I'm not "married to" my Aqua-Tech - in fact, I'm not all that fond of it. I am open to any good suggestions on a better filter for the 10g tank who's role here is 1. fry grow out, 2. emergency hospital, and 3. QT tank for new purchases. So something that I can "adapt" not to suck up the fry - but does a really good job of cleaning the tank.

Are internal filters better than HOB for this size tank and it's uses? If so, tell me more???

crazie.eddie

I like HOB filters for small tanks, becuase it's easier to maintain. I actually prefer canister filters, but it's hard to find the one I want. I'm looking for a canister filter for small tanks with a built in heating element.

Some internal filters have suction cups that hold them in place, so they make it difficult to work with when trying to maintain the filter. Plus internal filters just take up allot of space and are kind of ugly to look at, IMO.

saganco

Looks like I'll end up with one of the hydro-sponge filter using a "T" fitting on the air pump so I can have two of these filters in the tank so when I need the qt tank set up, I already have a seeded sponge filter. It's my understanding when I do this, that I don't have to use an air stone. Any suggestions/thoughts/criticisms or other comments on this idea?