Sponge on filter intake or no?

HI there,

I am going to be putting an aquaclear 30 filter on my 20 gallon tank soon, and am wondering whether it is necessary (or a good idea) to put a coarse sponge over the intake. I have some young pseudomugil luminatus that I'm worried might be able to fit through the slits in the intake (and get sucked into the filter). I've read on here that healthy fish normally don't get stuck in the intake, so I'm inclined to not bother putting a sponge over the intake.

I plan on using the standard sponge that comes with the AquaClear filter and some bioballs of my own.

Should I get a small coarse sponge for the intake or no?

Thanks!

 

I would. Since they're fairly inexpensive I don't know any good reason not to, and in addition to keeping small fish or invertebrates from being sucked in they give another place for the beneficial bacteria to colonize.

 

I would aswell. You can sometimes even clog the filter if decaying plants or sand gets in throuh the intake. Plus it provides area for more bacteria, which is good

 

EMcT1985 , here is a link to a thread in the filters section of forum that will point you in the right direction. 3 or 4 examples of foam sponge pre-filters are given, as well as other useful info

 

100% would. They’re no negative impact but it stops small plant pieces from gettting Into t filter and slowing the impeller.
The sponge may also attract fish who pick off of it - win win.