Filter Intake length

I picked up a 10 gallon recently and I grabbed a 50 gallon filter with it because of how cheap it was on sale. The only problem with the current set up is how low the intake sits. It has a telescopic intake tube and at its shortest position it is basically in the substrate, which is a clay gravel. Unless anyone has any better advice, I will be chopping the last couple inches off the tube and stuffing a sponge in there where the cage is cut. I really would like to keep the filter as I plan to have one or two pea puffers in there and know they could use the extra filtration. Also does anyone think two puffers is a worse idea that just one? The tank will be pretty heavily planted. Thanks in advance.

 

I think the plan you got seems pretty sound.

 

I think the plan you got seems pretty sound.

I changed direction and cut about 2 inches out and then sort of welded the plastic back together. My only concern with this is somehow causing the plastic to be toxic by heating it but I seriously doubt this.

 

I changed direction and cut about 2 inches out and then sort of welded the plastic back together. My only concern with this is somehow causing the plastic to be toxic by heating it but I seriously doubt this.

Should be ok once it cools. The fumes is what is most dangerous.

 

Should be ok once it cools. The fumes is what is most dangerous.

Good thing I was the only one breathing those in lol

 

Good thing I was the only one breathing those in lol

I have inhaled plenty of plastic fumes in my day and i am perfectly dysfunctional