Pump Problems

[LilyPad]

I have a waterfall in my tank and have had issues with it on and off. Now I cannot get the pump to stop clogging. Every little thing seems to block it up. Any tips?

I originally had it in a waterfall dish, then I put it directly in my drainage layer. That was blocking up too much so I put it in a different waterfall and it worked well for about 3 weeks. I cleaned it out really well but the tiniest bit of anything will block it back up, and gray tree frogs can get quite messy! Am I going to have to ditch this idea? It would suck considering they love it so much.

[Wolfx]

Amazon.com: Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium Waterfall Kit: Kitchen & Dining just use a stocking around the pump a few times to keep out substraight, but if done correct no substraight should be in with the balls hope this helps. Its what i use, have 2 kits in one tank an one in another.

[John]

This is why I don't use flowing water features or recommend them. If you're going to use a pump I suggest you make a custom pump box out of say a tupperware container. Put the pump in there surrounded by a nice thick layer of fine aquarium filter wool.

[LilyPad]

I wrapped a spongey filter around it, but it wasnt thick enough, maybe I'll have to get a different one. They really enjoy this feature, but it's not something that's particularly "easy" to work on and I'm quite ready to ditch it if something doesnt work soon. Thank you John, I will try that. I know a lot of people have had the same issues with the zoo med kit.

[SludgeMunkey]

Unless you use an airstone lift based water feature, there is absolutely nothing you can do to remedy the problem. All you can do is regularly clean the pump and filter. The real issue with these kits is that they are designed for looks, and not functionality. Personally, I feel they were designed with terrestrial, tropical reptiles in mind, as anything aquatic generates far too much mulm.

[LilyPad]

I'm really fed up because I can't get the tupperware/filter idea to work. I think I'm going to remove it and put another bromeliad where it is (takes up a lot of space) and just use their raised lagoon. It'll give me a lot more space and much less of a headache. The filter system worked through vacation and that was the most important part for me.