AquaClear 50 Powerhead intake "options"

[JusJim]

I'm using two AquaClear 50 Powerheads for water circulation in my tank. They work great although I forsee one possible problem. The intake has a very powerful suction and there is no real protection to keep from sucking things up.

The intake is protected by a cone shaped piece that has about a 3/4" opening, instead of the "standard" type intake pieces you would normally see on filters and such.

Is anyone else using this type of powerhead, and what type of modifications have you made to protect your fish.

Is there somewhere I can buy the replacement pieces for a filter that might fit on this powerhead.

TIA

 

[jdm01]

I have an AquaClear 50 as well. You can buy a prefilter to attach to the bottom instead of the cone. The cone is designed for use with an undergravel filter. I purchased the pre-filter at a LFS. In addition to not sucking up fish, it gives a little extra filtration.

 

[Herbie]

Hmmm..........My 70 has a grate built into the bottom of the intake. I thought that the 50's were the same?
Yea, they have a prefilter kit for it, but it is large. If i remember it is about 6"-8" long and about as wide as the powerhead.
Good luck.............Herbie

 

[Emmelemmo]

You can drill a couple of small holes in the disk area around the cone. It will help lower the suction at the cone and distibute it over a great area. I have mine hidden in some live rockl and don't like the prefilter as it takes too much room.

 

[ACBlinky]

I lost a fish and a huge turbo snail to an AC 402 powerhead. They have very strong suction, be careful. I resorted to using the prefilters, they're huge but they save lives. After looking at them for about two weeks I went out and bought some Maxi-Jets, never been happier. Better powerheads IMO and they come with great little attachments to diffuse the suction at the bottom.

 

[JusJim]

I know I saw at one time the flow rate with the filter attached, but cannot find it now to save my life.

Does anyone know how much the filters reduce the GPH flow?