Best Powerhead for Tanks with Small Fish

[Saltinthedesert]

Have used a few different powerheads to create current over the years but will on occasion find dead fish stuck to the intake. I’ve also tried doing various modifications but it seems like there must be a relatively compact powerhead with good design to keep small fish out of the intake. Anyone have suggestions?

I will add that the Odyssea 350 is the worst of the bunch. 

[eatyourpeas]

I am using both the ACO and the Aquatop powerheads in my nano tanks. I put the ACO coarse intake sponge in both of them and have had not problems, even with shrimp. I bought all from ACO.

The beauty of these powerheads is they can be placed on their side, eliminating the need for height usually not available with nano tanks.

Edited January 5, 2022 by eatyourpeas
Added more info.

[Saltinthedesert]

Have a link to the ACO model?

@eatyourpeas

[eatyourpeas]

On 1/5/2022 at 12:22 PM, Saltinthedesert said:

Have a link to the ACO model?

@eatyourpeas

Indeed!

https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/equipment/products/aquarium-co-op-power-head

[Saltinthedesert]

@eatyourpeasha ha ha. That’s the same identical product as the Odyssea. Has killed a few Norman Lampeyes and some ember tetras. 
 

Ill keep looking. 

[Blaha]

I use the ACO powerhead on my 29G tetra tank. (its almost too much flow for my liking, but the sponge filter gives too little flow)
I stick a prefilter sponge on the intake. 
It helps broaden the area water gets sucked in, reducing pressure in any one area a little bit. I at least haven't had anything die from it. Probs don't even need the sponge either because of how much it filters vs sponge with air stone, but I like the bubbles

[eatyourpeas]

On 1/5/2022 at 12:54 PM, Saltinthedesert said:

@eatyourpeasha ha ha. That’s the same identical product as the Odyssea. Has killed a few Norman Lampeyes and some ember tetras. 
 

Ill keep looking. 

Mmm, do you have a sponge on the intake? I have one of them with Norman Lampeyes, Neocaridina shrimp and CPDs...

[Saltinthedesert]

@eatyourpeas

i do. On the inside of the plastic cone. 

[eatyourpeas]

On 1/5/2022 at 5:18 PM, Saltinthedesert said:

@eatyourpeas

i do. On the inside of the plastic cone. 

I wonder if it is worth trying one on the outside of the cone. That is how I have it, and the little critters have been safe. This is what I use:

https://www.aquariumcoop.com/collections/sponge-filters/products/mini-pre-filter-sponge

[Randall from Texas]

On 1/5/2022 at 7:18 PM, Saltinthedesert said:

@eatyourpeas

i do. On the inside of the plastic cone. 

I would highly recommend getting the large intake sponge and using that as a filter on it. Also you can get the ACO sponge filter and the uplift tube will fit into the power head. There is a short on YouTube that shows both methods.

That's the Co-op difference lol