powerhead sucking up small fish?

[filter]

I'm still learning. I added two powerheads to add more flow to the tank. All I have are 2 small damsels. I have already had one death because the little guy got stuck to the bottom of the power head. I just picked another off last night. he is still alive, but how can I prevent that?

 

[greatfullreefer]

Place a sponge filter on the inlet.

 

[filter]

the local fish stores will have them?

 

[greatfullreefer]

Possibly, if not try a large chain retailer such as PetsMart

 

[shoimen]

Most powerheads will come with a small grated intake... This will prevent the fish from being sucked 'IN' to the powerhead, but they still may get stuck to the grate if they are too small. If the powerhead has a flow adjuster on it, I would suggest turning it down a bit...

 

[filter]

yeah, you are right shoimen. It has a grated intake. the fish didn't go the whole way into the propeller, but was stuck dead on the bottom. I thought it was just a one time deal, but then I found the other stuck to the bottom. I'm just really happy he lived. I did turn the powerheads as low as they would go, but it still seems really strong for the little fish

 

[ophiura]

How big is your tank? How many gallons per hour are these powerheads? Is this tank cycling? Is there another reason they might be dying?

 

[fromoe]

i put sponges on mine after my arrow crab fell victim to one

 

[mudplayerx]

I agree with Ophiura. It is VERY unlikely that your fish are getting sucked into the powerheads. My hermit crabs sometimes even sit on the intake and eat the algae there (how they get up there to begin with is another story).
My guess is your fish are dying before they get to the powerhead.

 

[thejdshow]

I had 2 small damsels that got sucked into the power head. So it is a possibility. However it would not hurt to check your water quality, and watch for other possible things.

 

[thangbom]

well if u dont have a sponge then u can use a bio ball.. just put it to the inlet of the pump... it should stay in place..

 

[1journeyman]

Weird.. I can't imagine a healthy damsel getting sucked into anything (other than a named storm in the Atlantic...)

 

[ophiura]

I can see it with particularly small fish, weak fish, new fish (not established), fish exposed to other stresses (cycling tank), etc....
But a common 1" damsel in an established tank would surprise me, unless those are MIGHTY strong powerheads for the tank...which is a possibility. So yeah, if there is like a MAG 7 in there and something gets too close -

 

[diadema]

are you using the grate designed for an undergravel filter? IE: it's really long and gets thinner on the end and has a very small inlet with a grate? Or are you using the shorter "all grate" one?
Wish I could find a picture online to explain the difference.
One creates a small area with lots of suction - the other spaces it out somewhat...