Powerhead Protection

[Stonker]

I have Eheim Compact 600's in my tank. They the older model which have a grid to protect the inlet. Unfortunately I can't find any pictures on the net anywhere, but does this sound sufficient to protect an Anemone from damage?

[instantsquid]

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but I very, very much doubt it'll provide sufficient protection to an anemone. Their bodies and tentacles are extremely soft and can be sucked into the smallest appertures. If any part of the anemone actually reaches the impellor (which is presumably not far inside the powerhead) it will be damaged - the worst case scenario being that the anemone will die.

Adding an anemone to a tank is not a decision to be taken lightly - they need stable environments, good lighting, and nowhere they can get themselves chopped up.

My personal opinion is that closed loops with well designed weirs to prevent the anemone from being sucked in, are the only foolproof solution. I'm well aware that many, many people keep anemones in tanks with powerheads, Streams and the like without incident. But there are also countless stories of anemones wandering into these pumps and being killed - IMO this is unforgiveable.

Sorry to sound a bit heavy but it's something I feel quite passionate about.

Regards,
- Ian

[Stonker]

No I completely understand, which is why I'm asking the questions so I can have the tank well prepared beforehand.

[sinder255248]

Any chance you could put some fine mesh around the inlets and glue it in place?

[cl0wn]

sponge. my lfs stock spare sponges for inlets and these are ideal. use a cotton bud stick with the cotton ends cut off at an angle and poke it through spong and inlet cone. works a treat and give a bit of mechanical filtration.