Filter's intake-baffle clogging.

**clichepithet** · 12-24-2012, 09:06 PM

I have an AquaClear 50, which I like very much. I baffled the intake with a panty-hose material and secured it with a zip-tie to prevent injury (or outright death) to my shrimps. The problem is that the baffle clogs every day. It'll pull in the duckweed (pushed down by the outflow) and other random detritus which builds up in short order significantly reducing the water flow in and out. I've been rubbing off the material to clear the intake and trying (key word, there) to net the then free-floating material at the same time, which does solve the problem - temporarily.

I have a Betta tank's filter baffled in the same way, to protect his fins, but it does not do this.

Is there an alternate baffle-type? A large sponge, perhaps? Or...?

**Goes to 11!** · 12-24-2012, 09:16 PM

Yep

This fits on an AC20 - Not sure about a 50. You could also buy another sponge like it uses inside and cut a chunk off to fit over it.

You have tons of options like this.

**dbosman** · 12-26-2012, 11:28 PM

This type of intake screen will help a Lot.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=172289

I use sponges on the intakes of filters, but, that sponge becomes the detritus filter for the tank. It will clog. It will take longer than the intake slits on the AC intake.

**SueD** · 12-27-2012, 04:37 PM

Depending on the size of your tank with the AC50, you can try one of these

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=21426

I found the Fluval prefilter was a problem with the AC50, which was too powerful for these (although it works fine on my AC20). The sponge is too fine and the filter will eventually pull it into an hourglass shape. You want something a little more coarse.

You can also try these:

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Labora.../dp/B0002DIRX2

And in a pinch, I have taken the AC20 sponge and just cut a hole in the middle and stuck it on the intake. Not pretty, but works well.

**ijankrom** · 12-27-2012, 06:04 PM

+1 to SueD regarding the AC sponge with hole down middle. I just cut an X about 3/4th down through the middle after cutting sponge block into a nice size rectangle. Easy to clean and place back on too!