Pre-filter Sponge For Fluval Canister Intake?

Do they make a sponge specifically for Fluval canister filter intakes? I plan on adding some shrimp and want to cover the intake. The only sponge covers I have found for Fluval seem to be for HOB filters and the intake tubes are different sizes. I realize I can use something else and modify it as needed, but was hoping there's something out there that's made to fit.

 

Hello!

As to my knowledge, not anything specifically for the canister intakes; I’ve resorted to DIYing mine from a block of sponge. Doesn’t take too long at all!

 

Does just any kind of sponge work? We have lots of packing sponge that is the same consistency and hole size of other sponges used for filter media, but I want to be sure it's safe.

 

Does just any kind of sponge work? We have lots of packing sponge that is the same consistency and hole size of other sponges used for filter media, but I want to be sure it's safe.

Do you know what kind of packing sponge? Material also can make a difference for longevity as well as performance. Personally, I used these


As I liked the shape and there was plenty of room to bore the hole bigger. And they’re for sure aquarium safe

Sometimes it doesn’t matter the sponge; but sometimes they can be treated to help prevent microorganism dessication or infestation; kitchen sponges can be treated so mold doesn’t grow too quickly or so that the soap becomes frothier (idk of a better word haha).

 

Frothier is a perfect word! That was my concern about sponges. When you said you created your own earlier, I didn't realize you meant out of sponge intended for aquarium use. Those are perfect. I'll look for something like that.
Thanks!

 

For $5, you can make your own sponge pre-filter that is highly effective for canisters intake tubes.

Buy an Aquaclear 70 (3-pack) sponge refill for $5 and get some zip ties (preferably clear).

You will use 2 blocks that will sandwich around the intake tube and strainer.

Cut out a negative space where the strainer and tube can rest inside the 2 blocks of foam, then zip tie the blocks around the strainer/intake tube.



















This method will work with most strainers and intake tubes for canisters.

I have this on my 75g.

I originally made it so I could eliminate using the bottom tray for coarse foam in my Hydor 600 canister,

The bottom tray now has the medium/fine mechanical media and the other 4 trays are all full of my biological media.

It has turned out quite well and flow has not been reduced.

I choose the Aqauclear foam blocks because they were inexpensive and high quality. Most Aquaclear filter owners report having years of service from the foam sponge blocks in their media baskets.

 

Thanks, Islandvic! The pictures are helpful. Except for the Whataburger cup. That just makes me sad because they don’t have one anywhere near me in Florida. God Bless Texas.

 

It's actually an official Whataburger edition YetI cup!

Whataburger has them for sale on their website. YetI cups are awesome. It will keep ice for hours!

I highly recommend ordering one, or a couple of them!

 

For $5, you can make your own sponge pre-filter that is highly effective for canisters intake tubes.

Buy an Aquaclear 70 (3-pack) sponge refill for $5 and get some zip ties (preferably clear).

You will use 2 blocks that will sandwich around the intake tube and strainer.

Cut out a negative space where the strainer and tube can rest inside the 2 blocks of foam, then zip tie the blocks around the strainer/intake tube.

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This method will work with most strainers and intake tubes for canisters.

I have this on my 75g.

I originally made it so I could eliminate using the bottom tray for coarse foam in my Hydor 600 canister,

The bottom tray now has the medium/fine mechanical media and the other 4 trays are all full of my biological media.

It has turned out quite well and flow has not been reduced.

I choose the Aqauclear foam blocks because they were inexpensive and high quality. Most Aquaclear filter owners report having years of service from the foam sponge blocks in their media baskets.

It's a lot easier to just take a block sponge (Amazon) and use scissors and just cut down straight at 90 degrees at a time to your depth. Now just push your intake down inside.

 

These have several adapters in the box. A bit over priced but work well. I have 15 in use.

 

Your right, it might be easier to use a block sponge instead.

I already had the 3-pack of AQ70 sponges and they are readily available at LFS's and big box stores.

Plus not everyone has Amazon Prime.

But if you have a local Petsmart/Petco nearby, you can go buy them and come back home and make one in a hour.

Also, sometimes I like seeing what I am buying. I am familiar with AC sponges and know their exact structure.

On the other hand, many sellers on Amazon are directly from Asia, which can be figured out most times by the use of poor English grammer in the item's description.

What is described by the vendor isn't always 100% of what you receive.

Also, in the example I gave, part of making it involves making the cavity in the foam block slightly larger than the strainer. I felt that may increase flow around and into strainer.

If my pre-filter gets super mucked up over time, I can take it out and cut the zip ties, allowing me to rinse out the foam blocks from the inside also.

Thunder_o_b , yep those ATI Filter Max and Hydro Pond pre-filters are fantastic. I l like their modular design. I've bought mine from Kensfish online. Both Ken's and Jehmco have a great selection of all the individual adapters and connections.

 

Thunder_o_b , yep those ATI Filter Max and Hydro Pond pre-filters are fantastic. I l like their modular design. I've bought mine from Kensfish online. Both Ken's and Jehmco have a great selection of all the individual adapters and connections.

I will have to check them out. I always keep my eye open for good venders. There many you can not trust. I just last month had to involve PayPay because a vender took the money then refused to deliver the product.

 

It's actually an official Whataburger edition YetI cup!

Whataburger has them for sale on their website. YetI cups are awesome. It will keep ice for hours!

I highly recommend ordering one, or a couple of them!

YetI and Whataburger. What a combo!

I bought some sponge at Petco today and have cut out what I hope will be a nice cover that will allow plenty of flow but protect shrimp. I hope to find and buy some Amano Shrimp this week, so we’ll see how it works! Thanks for all the great ideas!