Eheim 2213 need prefilter?

[Logan]

I just bought a Eheim 2213 canister filter for my 30 gal tank. I haven't set it up yet. I have a sand substrate and was wondering if I would need a prefilter for it?

[melonie]

considering the $5 it would cost versus the risk of eventually damaging the integral pump on your canister filter, it sounds like a 'no brainer' to me ! However, be sure to use/make one which is significantly oversized, as the canister filter's pump flow rate could drop significantly if the suction hose is restricted to any significant degree

[Logan]

I thought I'd probably need one. I used a sponge over the intake. Thanks for the reply.