Help With Aquaclear Pre-filter

I have an Aquaclear 50 on my 29 gal freshwater tank. I added a pre-filter after one of my Mystery Snails got stuck on the intake. The pre-filter seems to plug pretty quickly. Is it ok to rinse it in tap water? The filter has sponge, ammonia reducing, and bio elements in it. I squeezed it out a few time in tank water, but it plugged again in 3 days. Thanks.

 

I rinse my prefilters in tap water weekly... turn up the pressure and get all the gunk out...

 

Similar issue. I cleaned mine in only tank water. Decided to purchase another brand which is more porous. Working great now. Good Luck

Oh By the way.
Welcome Welcome Welcome to Fishlore

 

Similar issue. I cleaned mine in only tank water. Decided to purchase another brand which is more porous. Working great now. Good Luck

Oh By the way.
Welcome Welcome Welcome to Fishlore

Thanks, glad to be here. This is a great forum. Can you tell me what brand you use?

 

I got the cheep universal 3 pack off amazon. I think it was like $5.

 

Just checked on Amazon. Some of the pre-filters are open-ended. That would increase the velocity through the end of the tube. Does anyone have experience with those?

 

I found the same issue. I just cut 1 sponge apart then cut pieces to fit the open end. Works perfectly. No more worries with snails or fry or flow.

 

I use the Fluval pre-filter sponges. Mid-week, I give them a good rinse and squeeze in tap water. When I do my tank maintenance on Sundays, I give them another rinse and squeeze in tank water. I replace the sponges with new ones about every 3-4 months.