How to Keep My Small Fish From Getting Sucked Up in My Filter

Fish filters work by sucking water up through a tube, running the water through a filter medium which collects any dirt or debris, and then spitting the clean water back out into the tank. Occasionally, small fish may fall victim to the suction of a filter and get caught inside, however, eventually dying after getting caught in the turbine that helps suck up the water. Though many filters are equipped with strainers that don't allow large items to get sucked up into the filter, some fish, such as small guppies, can still fall victim. To make sure small fish don't get sucked into your filter, create a mesh guard in a matter of minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Nylon mesh net
  • Scissors
  • Rubber band
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut out a a square or circular section of the mesh net using the scissors.

    • 2

      Wrap the mesh over the opening of the suction tube of the filter. This is the long tube that reaches down from the filter and into the tank to take up water. The opening should be at the bottom.

    • 3

      Tie the mesh around the suction tube using the rubber band. Now no small fish should be able to get sucked up into the filter, and the mesh net should still be permeable enough for dirt particles to pass through.