Aquarium Pre-Filters [DO THEY WORK?] - Why I Use Them?

[@BenOchart]

Thank you for visiting my channel! For more fish keeping tips, check out these playlists: "Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4 Fluval FX canister filters "Tips & Tricks" go here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD SunSun canister "Tips & Tricks" go here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg All about water changes and controlling nitrates, click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD Tips on general canister filter maintenance, click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoA-6pu7lFTc_D6idLKGCE2j Here are my "Top 10" most popular videos of all time: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoBdSWOkNg1Roe2M47dP9Mva

[@michael-ev5fk]

Months ago I bought 3 prefilters for 3 FX6s at your recommendation Ben. Got them from Cory at the Aquarium Co-Op. After running for 5 months with 35 fish total, Peacocks and Haps, a filter cleaning showed me how effective the prefilters are. Amazing really. The FX6s were in very good condition. Judging from a 5 month run I bet I could go 10-12 months before opening a canister. That said, I do capture the prefilters in a plastic bag during water changes and squeeze/rinse them out with tank water. And they are usually dirty with waste. Prefilters are the way to go! Good video Ben 👍🙂 Thanks

[@BenOchart]

I'm really glad that it worked out for you Mike!

[@mellissaedens6047]

Did you find a pre filter that actually fit the fx6 intake?

[@michael-ev5fk]

Yes. It's a cylindrical sponge filter sold by Cory at the Aquarium Co-OP. Fits perfectly.

[@Pitbullnopapers]

Thanks Ben. Always great info.

[@johnnyjj2009]

This is awesome I watched an older video of yours on this earlier today. I have an fx4 and an fx6 on my 2 75 gals

[@josephharper6803]

hi ben.,some one on your last live stream one of your viewers asked about growing plants in sand. this is how I do it. I use small clay pots with multi-r which I buy from green leaf aquarium, I put the plant in the pot and fill it up with the multi-r its just like laterite, iron then I top off with sand and bury the pots under the 4 inch sand bed. if I have to fertilize I pull the pot out and fertilize it and put it back. once a week I use easy carbo liquid carbon, and that's it. I grow all kinds of plants swords, crypts etc. this works for me, that's why your site is great you learn what other people are doing with there tanks. great video

[@BenOchart]

I hope to have a planted tank someday. Thanks!

[@kennymack8056]

Keeping up on the water changes has a huge effect on your canister as well. Looks great Ben !

[@BenOchart]

I’m currently doing weekly WC’s. Thanks😀

[@emmascrimshaw4114]

Thanks Ben another really informative video...x

[@BenOchart]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JarunsHobbyTV]

nice collection 😍

[@davidsamsell2031]

IME, pre-filter sponges are important. Not only for beneficial bacteria, but also aids in filtration. Additionally, they help isolate excessive food, shrimp & small fish from entering the main filtration unit. My pre-filters were purchased through Aquarium Co-Op. I highly recommend their filters & all of their quality products in general.

[@BenOchart]

Good points David.

[@MBBTigger1357]

I am confused by any filter other than hang on backs. Lol. I am presently using 2 aquaclear 110’s on my 90 gallon discus tank. Very happy with them but I do need to educate myself with others. Who knows? Maybe I will add a different should the need be. My tank is under stocked. Thanks for the informative material Ben.🐟😀

[@BenOchart]

Those are two good units that should be doing a great job with a tank your size, especially when lightly stocked 😀

[@stevebooker274]

Aquael Ultramax range of canister filters have a built-in pre filter in the head of the motor. No need to take apart the filter,just a three catches and your in. Great filter

[@BenOchart]

sounds brilliant

[@jamesgreen9372]

Great video as usual! A few questions : A. Should one clean the pre-filter more often than the canister? Weekly like a sponge filter? B. Do pre-filters protect fry? If for that purpose, what filter size should one use? C. During a water change with fry in the tank should one use a pre-filter on the hose? (Assume no gravel vacuum being done.) Thanks Jim

[@BenOchart]

Hello Jim, A) I rinse the pre filters with every water change, so once a week, B) Yes, they keep fry from getting sucked into filters and C) wouldn’t be a bad idea to prevent a curious fish from getting sucked up 😀👍🏻

[@HalfManHalfCichlid]

In my experiments I was amazed at how much pinky floss slows down water flow through any type of filter. It does not hold much dirt before it begins to impede water flow. I will only use it on HOB's now where you can easily see the clogging and change it out easily. 30 or 45 ppi sponge instead of pinky floss extends filter maintenance by a factor of 10X.

[@BenOchart]

Funny you mention that. I’ve stopped using pinky in both of the SunSun 302s under the 60 gal, especially after seeing the good shape the sponges were in 😀👍🏻

[@jaymzmeh4595]

I rinse off my pre filter twice a week with a once a week water change. For the size of my pre filter, I just rinse it off under tap water. I only have to service my filter once every three months. Been using pre filter for 17 yrs. Best thing is every did

[@stanbe1974]

I use them on all my tanks and they make a huge difference. Reduce the frequency which I have to clean my hang on back filters.

[@BenOchart]

Exactly. Thank you for watching.

[@sschario60]

Rather impressed with the effectiveness of the Eheim 6664 Pre-filter. I have one on each of my two Eheim intakes. Takes only a couple minutes to rinse and reinstall each week. Btw, I rinse the sponges with tap water and a hose sprayer.

[@jeffbeatty6325]

Thanks Ben, I think I will try pre filters with my FX6's. Have you ever tried the twin sponge filter by Hygger? They have a small cup for media and cleaning the sponges is simple. I took my air stone out and use one in it's place. It works well for polishing the water. I really like the simplicity of it, I mount it high on the glass where you can access the sponges without disturbing the tank. The sponges slide on and off easily which makes for quick cleaning.

[@BenOchart]

Good tip. I’ve never used them but they sound cool😀👍🏻

[@darrell1974dal]

My canister filters job is to remove detritus and other bits from my aquarium and keep it within the canister filter until I clean it. A pre-filter keeps detritus and other bits from entering my canister filters, but instead keeps it in my aquarium where I can see it and has a chance of going back into the water column when I clean the pre-filters. Maybe I can see a purpose for the pre=filter if you filter is not up to the job of cleaning your aquarium and you need addition filtration, but then I feel it's only a stop gap until you get more filtration as a pre-filter can reduce flow.

[@BenOchart]

I get what you're saying. Truth is that things dissolve or get picked at by the fish very quickly on the pre-filter, so it's not really visible. If not rinsed regularly, like in my case once a week, they can clog, but rinsing them takes like one minute. But, like I always say, if your set up is working for you and your fish look healthy and happy, don't change a thing.

[@danielfernandes5632]

It will not less the intake of a canister? Do you know some good option of prefilter for a sunsun hw 3000? Tks.

[@terryjohnson5047]

i have brought the uk version of the big sun sun and added their little external add on that is just a case with 3 big sponges in .i remover 1 of the sponges and put puragen and floss in .3 months later i opened up the big filter and its spotless and just contains biological filter medium

[@kalawai2000]

I have to use prefilters on my two SunSun 704b canisters or they get really jammed up with nasty crud! So after 4 or more months they still accumulate a lot of detritus. I have a 160 gallon tank with a big Oscar plus other tank mates and that’s a dirty fish.. I have to rinse the prefilters out twice a week just to keep the water in the tank clear.

[@BenOchart]

That’s a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Extends the canister cleaning interval and removes thethe waste out of the “ecosystem” 😀👍🏻

[@mikemcguinness1662]

Have to go the other way on this one Ben. For me it is just another thing to buy and maintain . To me, it's unnecessary or marginally effective. We spend lots of money on these powerful filters to get everything out so the last thing I want is stuff remaining in the tank. Don't care if canister is slightly cleaner when I service it. It's a hat on a hat. Next we will be needing a pre-filter for the pre-filter.

[@MSMcKenzieJr]

Hi Ben. Nice video again. Do you still use the prefilter canisters?

[@BenOchart]

Never put the pre-filter canisters into use. More hoses, connections and risk of a leak.

[@bagariusyarrelli7142]

Recently discovered the hard way that pre-filter mesh matters when my newly installed Sun Sun 704b suddenly stopped flowing but was running. The fine mesh pre-filter was completely blocked within less than 48 hrs of run time. Just installed a coarse mesh filter. So far so good ;-{)

[@BenOchart]

Yes, makes sense. Higher GPH should with coarse, like the one I have on the Fluval. Medium/fine works on my small SunSun 302s with 200 - 300 gph.

[@leo2o915]

Where did you order that pre filter for the fx6 ? What size

[@BenOchart]

From Aquarium Co op, it’s a large

[@leo2o915]

@@BenOchart ok awesome thanks

[@enriquegutierrez7475]

Hello , my name is Jose , I am new, I like your videos, Where I can to buy the pre filter ?

[@BenOchart]

Hello Enrique, I got mine from Aquarium Co-op. Here’s a link: www.aquariumcoop.com/products/large-pre-filter-sponge 😀👍🏻

[@mellissaedens6047]

Where can I find a pre filter sponge that actually fits the fx6 intake??

[@romcapprotti7477]

I use one on the intake for my sump

[@BenOchart]

Interesting. Do you also use a filter sock in the sump? Like a double pre-filter.

[@romcapprotti7477]

Ben Ochart you know I never looked at like that but the more filters the better.also I have pinky filter in area right beside the 2 pumps

[@hanzen999]

I just add small canister filter as a prefilter.before to the main canister. I use sunsun 603 connected to eheim canister. I learn from pondguru

[@jamesgreen9372]

The canisters are in series? How to you assure the pumps are synchronized for the same flow rate?

[@hanzen999]

@@jamesgreen9372 yes. In series. The flow will slowdown a bit but not an issue for me and i only need to clean the small filter that consist only foam (3 layer foam and filter floss on top). My main filter is almost no need to maintenance (maybe once a year to check only)

[@BenOchart]

The SunSun pre filter has no pump, it’s a via in the siphon from the tank to the main unit (Canister). Position the pre filter above the main unit if possible. They sell a clear plastic version so you can see when it needs cleaning. Just make sure that hose sizes match or you’ll have to do a DIY modification.

[@hanzen999]

@@BenOchart mine have pump. But IMHO, if no pump and already got siphon from the intake it should be ok, except if the pre filter is very dirty. I once try to turn off the pump and it still works (the flow is lower and i put the filter in the same height)

[@mrswiggles2012]

I have prefilters on all my tanks except the turtles because they bite at them, LOL..and i use canisters as well. I do canisters maintenance at 6 months and its almost time now.

[@raycooper2287]

Can you fill one of those containers in canister with live bacteria sand ? And I use a pad cut to fit for post filter, as water is leaving filter it goes through it and it shows too.

[@BenOchart]

I wouldn't since eventually that sand would work it's way into the pump and ruin it.

[@raycooper2287]

@@BenOchart , if it's in a fine mesh bag maybe?? I'm just thinking.. not going to do it , I use hob.

[@JarunsHobbyTV]

Sunsun is my first Canister, the one with UV light...serve me well for years by the way👍

[@ibsn87]

How do you remove them without all the material captured falling off and immediately going back into the tank.

[@binky2301]

I use what in the UK are called APS filter boosters, same company as Sun Sun. They contain three levels of filter and let me use my canisters purely for bio media and mean cleaning is simple. Switch off, remove, rinse and replace.

[@maddyaquatics]

Filters spray bar does it slower d flow of water or is d same if used or not

[@BenOchart]

I’ve never used the spray bars.

[@maddyaquatics]

@@BenOchart but still I want to know the technicalities for d out flow if it lowers flow. If u can help in this

[@CypressPhotoStudio]

👍🏻👍🏻🤠

[@rogeraquarium6872]

In my opinion using a pre filter sponge on a canister filter or HOB is a waste of time and I always had to squeeze it out every day due to clogging. Even trying multiple styles of course sponges, It still happens. It's more of a pain in the arse

[@craigcassidy7799]

👍

[@craigbroderick8935]

Hi Ben.. Do they slow the flow of the filter?

[@darrell1974dal]

I'm not Ben, but yes, any resistance to the flow of water will cause a drop in the flow rate, the issue arises when the sponge starts to get full of detritus and starts to reduce the flow even more.

[@BenOchart]

They can clog if not rinsed weekly. Go with coarse sponges for high GPH filters.

[@gazyg1973]

There not bad at all pre filters how do you keep the poop down on tank floor ?

[@BenOchart]

With the water movement created by the filter output and powerheads, not much stays on the substrate

[@bayou504ctcL9]

Ok I'm just viewing dis video will get back at u with a reply on the recent video

[@gmoorach]

I know people swear by prefilters. But, I don't use them. I want my detritus inside my filters, not in the tank. I rather not see an unsightly, dirty prefilter in the tank and have to clean it once or twice a week. I've sized my canister so I can go 2-3 months, between filter cleanings. And I'm fine with that. I keep goldfish. The large waste that collects on the prefilter, for lack of a better term, looks gross. I want it out my sight and in the filter.

[@BenOchart]

If it works for you, awesome!

[@gmoorach]

@@BenOchart That's the key. Do what works for you.

[@DodO-hr9mf]

Hi Ben Nice video, as always. But today I'm quite ... disappointed. I'm thinking about buying a pre-filter. To me, a pre-filter is such a device : www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07QF8XZH6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Your video titled says "pre-filter", but you talk about a ... filter intake customization :-) I tried it on my 2 filters (Eheim PRO 4+ 600 and Fluval 407) but this is quite easy to clog. Maybe I didn't use the good media (I took my sponge filters sponge, maybe not coarse enough). So, Ben, have you planned to talk about "real" sponge filters ? Stay safe and keep on tanking

[@BenOchart]

I thought about adding the clear see-through model but went with the sponge-over-intake option mostly because of space restrictions and in my mind the more hose connections there are, the greater the chance of a leak.