sand and filter?

[speakerpedal]

So I put some sand into my new aquarium and have an issue with the filter making the god awful grinding noise. Now I understand that I should place a stocking mesh over the intake to prevent this, but it has been weeks since I've replace the substrate. Do I really need to leave this mess on? Doesn't it mess with the efficiency of the filter? I fell this really only happens if I have to change something in the aquarium (i.e. kick up some of the sand) or change the water. So what should I do? Can the sand do serious damage to my filter? If so, what can I do to fix it?

[rhonin]

How close is your filter suction to your sand?

I have sand in three of my tanks and in all the filter inlet is at minimum two inches above the sand.

[speakerpedal]

How close is your filter suction to your sand?

I have sand in three of my tanks and in all the filter inlet is at minimum two inches above the sand.



a few inches maybe 4 -5

[Cliff]

a few inches maybe 4 -5

I've read a few posts here where other members have recommended a hight of 4 or 5 inches between the intake and the sand.

Sounds like you should be OK.

I've had a tank set up for two weeks now with sand and a 4 inch space between the sand and intake. I've got no sand in my filter yet.

[speakerpedal]

I've read a few posts here where other members have recommended a hight of 4 or 5 inches between the intake and the sand.

Sounds like you should be OK.

I've had a tank set up for two weeks now with sand and a 4 inch space between the sand and intake. I've got no sand in my filter yet.



that's comforting. but what of the noise? it's not very pleasant and kinda makes me worry about the condition of my filter. It sounds like the thing is grinding.

[Sarkazmo]

The grinding is sand in the impeller. If you take the filter apart and rinse out all the sand it MIGHT work fine after. Chances are the impeller or impeller shaft is ruined. The former just requires you getting a replacement impeller. The latter... well just get a new filter.

I just replaced the impeller in my Penguin 100 because of sand. And I need to replace an Azoo Palm filter for the same reason. I got lucky and traded the LFS some Java Fern and Java Moss for the impeller. The Palm is only $9 new so I'll just get a whole new filter.

Sark


Sark

[speakerpedal]

The grinding is sand in the impeller. If you take the filter apart and rinse out all the sand it MIGHT work fine after. Chances are the impeller or impeller shaft is ruined. The former just requires you getting a replacement impeller. The latter... well just get a new filter.

I just replaced the impeller in my Penguin 100 because of sand. And I need to replace an Azoo Palm filter for the same reason. I got lucky and traded the LFS some Java Fern and Java Moss for the impeller. The Palm is only $9 new so I'll just get a whole new filter.

Sark


Sark


how can I tell if it's broken? It seems to only grind once in a while which I'm assuming is when the sand gets in there. The filter seems to be running ok, and I haven't really notice anything out of the ordinary besides the sound. Now with the potential of getting sand in the filter, what should I do if I ever have to make changes in the water, i.e. water change or ever just adjusting decor etc.

[Sarkazmo]

Well, after you clean it out it shouldn't make any noise more than it originally did. If it does then it needs replaced. What kind of filter is this?

You can put a sponge pre-filter on the intake or you could simply unplug the filter or lift out the intake tube when you're working on the tank or doing water changes. You just have to remember to plug it back in.

Sark

[speakerpedal]

Well, after you clean it out it shouldn't make any noise more than it originally did. If it does then it needs replaced. What kind of filter is this?

You can put a sponge pre-filter on the intake or you could simply unplug the filter or lift out the intake tube when you're working on the tank or doing water changes. You just have to remember to plug it back in.

Sark



it's an aquaclear 50. I think I just have to turn it off if I ever plan on interacting with the aquarium, which is a bit troublesome but I'm guessing necessary. I think the sand did permanent damage to my motor, causing it to grind with the impeller, so later on I'm going to have to get a new motor. I actually dulled the sound by adding a bit of cooking oil to the part to lower any grinding for now. I figured since oil is nonpolar it wouldn't mix with the water and get into the aquarium. It's been a success thus far.