Eheim 2217 in my 125g

[twong727]

I bought a used Eheim 2217 canister filter and when I put it in my 125g tank the intake pipe was so long that it is only barely an inch on top of my new sand, and I am concerned the sand may be sucked into the filter and cause damage. Should I go ahead and cut off couple of inches of the pipe or there are other things I may do? I heard I can use something to cover the inlet strainer?

[hopperfish]

I would just cut it, trying to modify the strainer may make it clog or the modification may fall off. sucking in a little sand should not hurt the filter and if filter is packed with floss or fine filter material it should not reach the impeller, water from the tank flows into the bottom of the filter and rises to the top, I would not think there is enough force to carry sand to the impeller. However a large amount of sand may clog the intake tubing, blocking flow and eventually the induction motor may overheat causing damage.

[smitty]

You could also place a sponge over it. But since it is sand I would probably cut it.

[twong727]

Thanks for the advice!!! Tony