Should I cover the filter intake with a sponge?

My filter is the TopFin PF10, and I have it on the lowest setting, but I'm concerned about the betta's fins or the ADFs or snails getting sucked up against the filter intake. I still have a long piece of coarse sponge I used for inside the filter that I could cut and keep in place around the intake with a zip tie. Would the filter be able to work correctly with this covering?

 

Yes, the filter will certainly continue to work with an intake sponge. I have intake sponges on all of my filters and it is a great way to catch large debris and protect shrimp too. I get my intake sponges from Aquarium Coop incase you don't want to go the DIY route.

 

Yes, the filter will certainly continue to work with an intake sponge. I have intake sponges on all of my filters and it is a great way to catch large debris and protect shrimp too. I get my intake sponges from Aquarium Coop incase you don't want to go the DIY route.

That's good to hear, thank you! I'm going to DIY it since I already have the materials but I may look into their intake sponges in the future. Thank you for the suggestion.

 

I cut my own using a filter sponge. I rinse when I clean the tank and put back on. I usually get a month or two out of each one, then I replace with more. The sponge that is courser will let the flow run better imo

 

I cut my own using a filter sponge. I rinse when I clean the tank and put back on. I usually get a month or two out of each one, then I replace with more. The sponge that is courser will let the flow run better imo

Good to know that I may have to replace it at some point. Fortunately, I have a pretty large piece so I probably won't run out for a while.

 

Yes intake sponges are great for tanks! Just more filtration. Clean it when doing water changes. I use the block sponges for aquaclear filters. Cut to size and hollow out the center to fit over intake and there good to go. Also they last for yrs .

 

I use the block sponges for aquaclear filters. Cut to size and hollow out the center to fit over intake and there good to go. Also they last for yrs .

This is what I do also...works great!

 

Not the prettiest thing in the world, but it’s on the side that I don’t view too often so I don’t mind much. Is it still okay?

 

It looks fine. Is the bottom of the intake open or closed? It open there will be more flow from there. Water will go to least resistance.

 

Not the prettiest thing in the world, but it’s on the side that I don’t view too often so I don’t mind much. Is it still okay?

That looks much nicer in black, then the white ones I make.

 

It looks fine. Is the bottom of the intake open or closed? It open there will be more flow from there. Water will go to least resistance.

If I’m remembering correctly, the bottom isn’t open.

That looks much nicer in black, then the white ones I make.

I’m glad it looks okay, thanks I’m sure yours looks neater than mine, though. Maybe I’ll eventually go the non-DIY route. I’m just hoping this works in the meantime.