Filter- filter?

[Love2Fish]

Hey, this is kind of a stupid question because it doesn't really seem possible to me, but is there a way I can put a "shield" of sorts around my filter intake that will still make it effective but prevent fish from getting caught there? I have a 55 gal with a 350 gph penguin HOB filter currently, and a lot of smaller type fish. I have had it cycled and running for a couple months. Yesterday, I lost a little guppie because he got sucked up to the intake and got stuck there and couldn't move. It was too late when I got home from work to save him. Anyways, I was wondering if there is a way I could put some sort of guard on there or a trick so I can prevent this from happening a lot. It was the first time it happened but I could see it happening a lot more because most of my fish are little guys and at the most might get a couple inches, and are very inquisitive. LOL, and by "trick" I don't mean buy bigger fish.

 

[jetajockey]

I use an aquaclear 110 sponge filter insert and cut it to fit over my intake strainers. I recall reading yesterday that someone makes a 'basket' out of plastic mesh canvas that would work as well.

 

[glassbird]

Check out this post...(save me from retyping all that!).

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f15/saftey-question-161201.html#post1455738

 

[Love2Fish]

yeah this is really starting to be a problem, I lost 4 fish recently, so I went and ordered some 110 inserts. Hopefully they come in before another one bites the dust. Thanks for the help everyone

 

[reefdiver]

You can try a piece of panty hose

 

[Love2Fish]

You can try a piece of panty hose

I don't really think that would really cut down on the suction enough to make a difference. I kinda feel bad for the little guys

 

[reefdiver]

i know how you feel ive lost kuhli and some neons. now if you want to spend some money they sell someprefilter sponges Aquarium Pre Filter; Filter Max intake filters for HOB, canister filters, etc.

 

[reefdiver]

im using a sponge i got with a power head i purchased .