Filter foam that will stop sand?

[kahjtheundedicated]

I have a pretty weird filter intake setup, that sometimes sucks up sand. I was wondering if anybody has experience with filter foam, or something else, to use as a pre- or secondary filter to stop it getting into the pump. I already have some foam on the intakes, but guess I need something finer.

Thanks!

[Dwayne Brown]

I had a similar issue with my HOB before I switched to a sponge filter. What I ended up doing was using one of those HOB intake sponges, then wrapping it in a gauze roll to filter out the sand. I wrapped the entire sponge until there was about two layers of the gauze. The only issue was that every other week the gauze needed to be replaced, but other than that it worked out great for me. 

[kahjtheundedicated]

Thanks for the reply, I think I'm just going to try shoving some polyester in the intake pipe and see if that does it. If it works, that'll be pretty easy for me to replace periodically

[kahjtheundedicated]

Aaaaand guess my pump is like actually damaged this time. Still screeching after cleaning it out. Maybe it is time to switch to a sponge filter...

[eatyourpeas]

On 12/11/2021 at 1:40 PM, kahjtheundedicated said:

Aaaaand guess my pump is like actually damaged this time. Still screeching after cleaning it out. Maybe it is time to switch to a sponge filter...

Did you open it up and cleaned the impeller? Sometimes that is all it takes to clear the "brains" out. 

[kahjtheundedicated]

Yep, completely disassembled it. Removed the impeller and magnet-rotor assembly and cleaned the crud out. Tried a touch of silicone grease too (supposed to be aquarium safe), still making the grinding noises. Slight play in the motor shaft, so I think the impeller is rubbing on the housing.