Plastic on filter suction

[donnacona]

I would like your opinion::bounce2:
I changed the carbon pad in my Eheim filter to a green plastic scrub pad you find in the dollar store the ones without the sponge.
It has been in there for about a couple of months with discus juveniles.
But I had a little problem feeding juveniles brine shrimps, they enter the suction pipe and slow down the filter's flow.
My cure was to make a strainer out of the green plastic scrub pad and put it on the intake of the filter.
I noticed that since I put it on yesterday it not only stops the shrimps from getting in, but the water is clearer.
Since the first green scrub pad has not caused any problem I guess this thing I made will be ok.
Has anyone using them had any problems in the long run and what do you think of my idea.
TIA:drummer:
Stu

[Ryan]

Stu,

Many people recommend a sponge prefilter over the intake of your filters. You can make them out of foam sponges yourself or buy pre-made ones that have plastic fittings for various brands of filters. Either way, it's something we suggest around here because you don't want your filters sucking up all that high-protein food and fouling your water.

The green scrub pads are probably okay but a sponge may be easier to remove and rinse with each water change, which is suggested to keep them clean and prevent the flow in your filters from slowing down.

Ryan

[blueluv]

IMO, I wouldn't use them. If you've ever used them to clean with them , you'll see a green dye come off the scrub pad. You're better off using aquaclear sponges or filter max 3 pre filter sponge for the intake.

[Elliots]

I use prefilter sponges. They look okay because they are made to fit my intakes. They cost $1-2 and after 18 months oif daily rinsing none are bad yet.

[Tazalanche]

This is what we use with all of our Eheim canister filters (three 2215, a 2217 & a 2236):
http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-filters/ati-filter-max-3.html

http://www.kensfish.com/media/filters/internal/ss_size2/Filter-Max-Pre-Filters-1024x480.jpg

No problems and no complaints.

[evabug1]

I use the filter max 3 on my AC110. Works great, and I clean it daily. Traps loads of gunk in it!

[donnacona]

Bought sponge filters fluval
Thanks all