HOB+SAND=Impossilbe?

[cabrego]

HOwdy,

Has anyone had good luck running a Hang on back filter while using sand as their substrate?

So far the sand has eaten up one filter to date, very quickly might I add. The filter actually works ok, but the impeller is making an ugly noise periodically so, the filter is pretty much dead to me.

I am using an emperor hob now (I had a back up filter), and it is working ok. Are there any tricks or Mods I could try to actually have a filter that lasts long?

[travie]

Don't run the filter till all the sand settles.

[sailor]

I think alot depends on the type of sand you use. I am using pool filter sand and have not run into this problem and I use sand in most of my 10 aquariums. You can try tying a piece of nylon over your filter intake.

[Drumachine09]

Make sure your filter tube is 3 or so inches above the sand.

[cabrego]

Thanks for the fast replies.

I am using Moonlight Sand in my 29 gallon tank and I have kept the filter intake cover with medium grade sponge. I am using a power head to keep the water moving and I think it maybe to much flow for the tank.

Also, the intake tube is at least 6 inches from the bottom.

[Fishguy2727]

The type of sand is important, as is it being settled in. I keep my intakes at least halfway up the tank. A low water level allows the water to go straight to the bottom instead of being spread out in the top of the tank.

[gemini69]

I have silica pool filter sand and an AC HOB filter with the intake maybe 2-3" above the substrate and I have no problems with sand going into the filter. The silica sand seems to be pretty "heavy" and never gets stirred up unless I'm doing my lousy vacuum job and then it immediately falls back down--no clouding at all.

[country_boy454]

I have sand in my 42 and am running a hob. Works perfect so far. Been going for about 2 months now.

[Pr0eve]

put a foam per filter on your uplift tube.

like I have on mine, it helps..