Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2016 7:37 pm Sand getting into FX5
I have 2 adult female RES in an outdoor 300 gallon tank. In addition to a basking area (large piece of cork bark), I also have a sand box for them to not only bask but more importantly lay their eggs. The issue is that I think the sand is getting into my FX5 and now I have to replace the motor. For those of you that has a sandbox, how do you keep the sand from damaging your filter? In my research, 2 common themes seem to come up:
1) Type of sand - It seems pool filter sand is the way to go. I had used play sand
2) How far off the bottom is the intake. Mine is at least 4"-5" which should be ok
These suggestions come mainly from fish forums and I would guess fish don't nearly kick up as much sand as turtles do. When I was cleaning out the tank today, there was definitely significant sand built up at the bottom of the tank.
Perhaps wrap some sort of screen around the intake valve or different media?
Any suggestions are welcome. While waiting for the replacement motor, I have temporarily removed the sand box leaving just the cork bark.