Description:
If you're keeping shrimp, fish fry, or small juvenile fish. Even a gentle flow can draw small livestock into the intake and into the filter. A filter intake guard is the simplest and most effective way to prevent that.
This stainless steel filter intake guard fits over a 16mm intake pipe and acts as a fine mesh barrier, allowing water to flow through freely while keeping shrimp, fry, and small fish safely out. Made from rust-resistant stainless steel, it's built for long-term use in both freshwater and saltwater environments without corroding or degrading over time. Installation requires no tools, simply slide the guard over your intake pipe and it's done.
Dimensions: 8.5cm x 3cm. Suits 16mm intake pipes. Pack of 4.
Check your filter's intake pipe diameter before ordering to ensure the correct fit. Also available in a small size for 12mm intakes.
Suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums running canister filters on, shrimp tanks and breeding setups.
Product Features:
- Made from durable stainless steel that is rust-resistant and long-lasting
- Prevents small fish and shrimp from being sucked into the filter, ensuring their safety
- Designed to maintain proper water flow while protecting your aquatic pets
- Simple to attach to your aquarium's intake pipe, with no tools required
- Suitable for various types of aquariums, including freshwater and marine tanks
Product Specifications:
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Colour: Black
- Medium: 8.5 cm x 3 cm
- Mesh Size: Fine mesh to prevent small particles and creatures from passing through
Items Included:
- 4 x Stainless Steel Filter Intake Guard
Stainless Steel Filter Intake Guard - Black - 4PCS - Medium
Stainless Steel Filter Intake Guard - Black - 4PCS - Medium
Everything about shipping, specifications and warranties is just below.
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
Why Shop With Us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
✅ Quality Products - Reliable aquarium supplies for your setup.
🚚 Standard Shipping Up to 10 kg ($11.95 to $24.95): Delivery within 3 to 10 business days. Rates by order weight: up to 1.5 kg $11.95; 1.5 - 2.5 kg $14.95; 2.5 - 4 kg $16.95; over 4 - 7 kg $19.95; 7 - 10 kg $24.95.
🚚 Heavy & Bulk Shipping Over 10 kg ($34.95 to $59.95): Delivery within 3 to 10 business days. Rates by order weight: 10 - 15 kg $34.95; 15 - 20 kg $44.95; over 20 kg $59.95.
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the combined weight of dry goods in your order.
🛡️ Warranty Support - Most eligible equipment and accessories are backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty, with claims handled through us.
🔄 Easy Returns - Most unopened dry goods can be returned within 14 days for change of mind, subject to our return conditions.
🤝 Trusted Couriers - Reliable delivery at a great rate.
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👉 For more details visit our Shipping page.
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
Tips Before You Buy — Product Guidance
💡 Unsure which product is right for your tank? Visit our Education section or Blogs for help choosing the best equipment.
🐟 Beginners can start with: How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenance & Care for ongoing tank tips!
🌿 Not all products are suitable for every tank size - Double-check dimensions and specifications before purchasing.
✍️ If you’re stuck: Reach out through our chat, we’re always happy to help!
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How the Filter Intake Guard Compares
🛡️ Stainless Steel Filter Intake Guard
- 🦐Helps Protect Small Livestock: The fine mesh barrier helps prevent shrimp, fry and small juvenile fish from reaching the filter intake.
- 💧Allows Water to Flow Through: Water can continue passing through the fine mesh while larger livestock and debris are kept away from the intake opening.
- 🔩Durable Stainless Steel: Rust-resistant stainless steel construction is designed for repeated use around aquarium water.
- 🔧Simple Installation: Slides directly over a compatible 12mm intake pipe without requiring tools or complicated modifications.
- 📦4 Guards per Pack: Includes four intake guards, providing spares or allowing multiple intake setups to be protected.
⚪ Unprotected Filter Intake
- 🦐Small Livestock Can Reach the Intake: Shrimp, fry and small fish can potentially come into direct contact with an unprotected intake opening.
- 🌊Direct Access to the Intake: There is no fine mesh barrier between the aquarium and the filter intake.
- ⚠️Greater Risk for Small Livestock: Particularly in breeding and shrimp setups, small animals may be vulnerable to being drawn towards the intake.
- 🔧No Additional Protection: Protection relies entirely on the original intake design of the filter.
- 🧹Less Barrier Against Debris: Larger pieces of debris and other material can reach the intake more easily without an additional mesh guard.
Shrimp keepers and breeders know this problem well. A standard filter intake with no guard is a genuine hazard for any tank with small livestock. Stainless steel is the right material for this application, it doesn't degrade in water the way plastic alternatives can, and the fine mesh is small enough to stop even juvenile shrimp and newly hatched fry.
Check the guard periodically for debris build-up, which can restrict flow over time. A gentle rinse in old tank water or a soft brush clean is all that's needed. The stainless steel construction means no special care is required beyond keeping it clear of blockages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a filter intake guard used for?
A filter intake guard fits over the intake pipe of a filter to help prevent shrimp, fry, small fish and other small livestock from being drawn into the filter. It acts as a protective barrier while still allowing water to pass through.
How do I know which size intake guard I need?
Choose the guard based on the diameter of your filter's intake pipe. This small version suits 12mm intake pipes, while the medium version is designed for 16mm intakes. Always measure your intake pipe before ordering to ensure the correct fit.
Is this intake guard suitable for shrimp and fish fry?
Yes. The fine mesh is designed to help keep shrimp, fry and small juvenile fish away from the filter intake, making it particularly useful for shrimp tanks and breeding setups.
Does the intake guard restrict water flow?
The fine mesh allows water to pass through the intake while creating a barrier against small livestock and debris. Keep the mesh clean and free from buildup to maintain good water flow.
What is the difference between an intake guard and a pre-filter sponge?
An intake guard is primarily designed to protect livestock from being drawn into the filter while allowing water to pass through. A pre-filter sponge provides the same type of protection while also trapping debris and providing additional surface area for beneficial bacteria.
Can I use this with a canister filter?
Yes. The guard is designed to fit over compatible filter intake pipes, making it suitable for canister filter setups. Check your intake pipe diameter before ordering.
Can I use this in a freshwater aquarium?
Yes. The stainless steel construction is suitable for freshwater aquariums and is rust-resistant for long-term aquarium use.
Can I use this in a saltwater aquarium?
Yes. It is designed for both freshwater and marine aquarium environments. As with any intake accessory, keep the mesh clean and check it regularly for salt or debris buildup.
How do I install the intake guard?
No tools are required. Simply slide the guard over the compatible intake pipe and make sure it is fitted securely before running the filter.
Is the intake guard reusable?
Yes. The stainless steel guard can be removed, cleaned and reused as needed. Regular cleaning helps prevent debris from building up on the fine mesh and restricting water flow.
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