Pre Filters?

[daddypugg]

Should I leave the pre filters on Powerheads? I know they are supposed to protect the fish and the powerheads but do they act as a source of Nitrates?
Sorry if this is a boneheaded question :notsure:

 

[bang guy]

They are not a source of Nitrates if you clean them regulary and don't overfeed. I have no prefilters in my setup so that invertebrate larvae are not trapped in them but I do have covers over all powerheads to protect fish.

 

[daddypugg]

Thank you, covers? what kind of covers?
My Powerheads came with the pre-filters and I have been using them. My nitrates are now high, I know that they are not the major contributor but I thought maybe they played a role.
I will remove the pre-filters if I can find these covers you speak of.
Thanks again

 

[sly]

I've heard the covers called "baby savers". Their just a plastic mesh guard that slips over the inlet of the powerhead. Not much to it.