Good Pre-Filter Sponge for HOB Filter (Aquaclear 110)

Any recommendations for a sponge to put over the tip of the intake tube on a HOB Aquaclear 110 Filter? I keep having snails (and now an otocinclus) die by getting their faces stuck to the intake.

I have used the Aquaclear foam filter inserts before, but those are too dense and get clogged too quickly. Is there a more porous sponge or some other material that works well? Something that doesn't obstruct too much flow, but will also keep critters from getting stuck? My little Aquatop filter came with a great pre-filter sponge, but I haven't been able to find that sponge sold separately.

Thanks for any recommendations.

 

Any recommendations for a sponge to put over the tip of the intake tube on a HOB Aquaclear 110 Filter? I keep having snails (and now an otocinclus) die by getting their faces stuck to the intake.

I have used the Aquaclear foam filter inserts before, but those are too dense and get clogged too quickly. Is there a more porous sponge or some other material that works well? Something that doesn't obstruct too much flow, but will also keep critters from getting stuck? My little Aquatop filter came with a great pre-filter sponge, but I haven't been able to find that sponge sold separately.

Thanks for any recommendations.

Will the Fluval Edge Pre-Filter Sponge work/fit?

 

I like using this one. I rotate 2 between 2 I have one critique is the elbow don't over tighten or it'll spider crack still functional just the only thing I didn't like.

Aquarium Technology, Inc. Filter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255OZ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Cory sells intake filter sponges that work for AquaClears, and they're made of fairly coarse foam. I generally get them one size smaller than recommended, even if I have to enlarge the hole a little bit.

 

These both will do the job.
1. https://www.amazon.com/Zanyzap-Pre-...refilter&qid=1600122159&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1

2. https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387...refilter&qid=1600122227&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-3

 

These both will do the job.
1. https://www.amazon.com/Zanyzap-Pre-...refilter&qid=1600122159&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1

2. https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-A1387...refilter&qid=1600122227&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-3

I had these on an aquaclear 30 and they worked good but when I put them on a 70 and 110, the suction on the filter was too strong for me and it would suck the sponge into the filter making it look like an hourglass and slow the filter down.

 

I had these on an aquaclear 30 and they worked good but when I put them on a 70 and 110, the suction on the filter was too strong for me and it would suck the sponge into the filter making it look like an hourglass and slow the filter down.

Oh...I didn't know that. Okay, in that case don't buy This!!

 

I use the ATI Filter Max III on an AC70, AC 110 and on an FX4.

It uses a coarse foam.

 

I have a penguin 150 and use the Fluval Edge Pre-filter. Seems to be working fine

 

I just bought generic sponge pre-filters. It was a 3 pack and dirt cheap on Amazon.
I only use them for tank cleaning as I have a sand substrate. Even coarse sand can get into filter intake tubes and stop the impeller from turning.
These things do the job. I remove them once the tank sand all settles and all is back to normal.
I hate to remove them. I use a small plastic bag to keep from dumping the debris back into the tank.

 

you can get any filter type cylinder sponge and use a zip tie to keep it in place also

 

you can get any filter type cylinder sponge and use a zip tie to keep it in place also

Thats what I do with my AC 50. I use a twist tie like what closes a bag of bread. Zip tie cannot be used more than once.

 

Thats what I do with my AC 50. I use a twist tie like what closes a bag of bread. Zip tie cannot be used more than once.

true but a huge bag of zip ties is cheap =)

 

I like using this one. I rotate 2 between 2 I have one critique is the elbow don't over tighten or it'll spider crack still functional just the only thing I didn't like.

Aquarium Technology, Inc. Filter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255OZ4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Seconding this one. I use it on my Aquaclear 70.

 

true but a huge bag of zip ties is cheap =)

And they must be cut to remove. Do you use a wire cutter underwater?

 

And they must be cut to remove. Do you use a wire cutter underwater?

zip tie doesnt need to be that tight. just enough to hold the sponge on. you should still be able to easily pull the sponge off of the intake with your hands. ive never had to cut the tie at all really (except the tail after tightening it enough to hold the sponge on) , if need be just slide it off. it just changes the circumfrence of the sponge to fit the tube.