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The Loach Forum Archives (1)
Two or three ideas...I lost track.
Posted By: BB <nettech@bellatlantic.net> In Response To: Upstream Swimmers (Breann)
Date: Thursday, 28 January 1999, at 1:33 a.m.
If you want to add a powerhead I know Hagen makes a qick disconnect filter that screws onto the bottom of their powerheads. There is a prefilter of sorts in the m that allows you to increase biological filtration in two ways...the filter sleeve itself allows bacteria growth, and the additional air pushed to the substrate not only increases overall oxygen concentration of the water but oxygen for the bacteria in the substrate. If the tank isn't deep enough to allow for the powerhead and the quick disconnect filter (approx. 10 inches) then you could use a sponge over the intake. There is a brand of internal filter called ovation. They make filters of varying sizes and one component of these is a round hollow sponge in varying diameters. The smallest sponge fits snugly over the intake of aquaclear, marineland, whisper power filters, and powerheads alike. It can be purchased seperately. You just slip it over the strainer leaving enough hanging over so you can pinch it and place a rubberband over the end. Some of my loaches will swim against water return, but my clowns LOVE to pick food off the quick disconnect and sponges alike. The sponge does reduce waterflow and needs to be rinsed from time to time. But as with any filter as soon as you add media you have already cut back on the flow rate. Filters love to claim so many gallons per hour...but that figure is based on a dry test. Add media and a couple of weeks and that flow rate is substantially reduced.
Another idea would be to use NYLON screening over the intake. At the local hardware store here I can buy inexpensive replacement window screening. This is still rigid enough to be formed. If you buy a square and fold it around an unused aquarium heater you can get a cylindrical shape. Slide it over the intake and secure at the top with a rubberband. I never used it for a powerhead but it could be accomplished I imagine. I prefer to use the sponge method above but on some filters like the marineland 300 biowheel or canister the intake prefilter is a basket. I have wrapped them in screening, or even a cut bonded filter sleeve secured with..you quessed it..rubberbands. Aside from keeping the fish out it is gret for raising fry. It cuts back on the flow rate, keeps the fry out, and allows them to pick food off.
BB
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