Dymax IQ Inlet Strainer

Dymax IQ Inlet Strainer – Stainless Steel

The Dymax IQ Inlet Strainer is a stainless steel intake guard for the Dymax IQ nano aquarium range, designed to stop shrimp, fry and small fish from being drawn into the filter inlet. Its fine mesh screen also traps leaves, uneaten pellets and larger debris before they reach the filter chamber, so flow stays steady and the filtration system doesn't clog.

Key benefits

• Protects shrimplets, fry and small nano fish from the filter intake
• Fine mesh keeps pellets, plant matter and debris out of the filter chamber
• High-quality stainless steel with a black anodised finish for excellent corrosion and rust resistance
• Black finish sits discreetly against dark substrate, hardscape and equipment
• Adjustable width, so you can set the gap to suit your livestock
• Rinses clean under tap water and refits in seconds

How to fit it

• Align the strainer with the existing filter inlet strainer on your IQ tank
• Slide it sideways to adjust to the size you need, based on the fish, shrimp or pellet size you're guarding against
• Check the fit is snug so nothing can slip past the edges

Suitable for

Freshwater nano aquariums, shrimp tanks and breeding or fry grow-out setups where small livestock is at risk from the filter intake. Especially useful for Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp keepers, betta and nano fish keepers, and anyone running a planted nano tank that sheds leaf litter into the filter.

Care and maintenance

Because the strainer holds debris at the inlet rather than inside the filter, it will collect a film of waste over time. Lift it off during your weekly water change, rinse it under running water or brush it gently with a soft toothbrush, and refit. A blocked strainer restricts flow, so a quick weekly clean keeps the filter performing as it should.

What's included

• 1 x IQ stainless steel inlet strainer

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the IQ inlet strainer stop baby shrimp being sucked into the filter?
Yes. The fine stainless steel mesh is the main reason keepers fit one — it blocks shrimplets, fry and other tiny livestock that would otherwise pass through a standard inlet slot.

Does it reduce the filter flow rate?
Not when it's clean. Flow only drops once debris builds up on the mesh, which is why a rinse during your weekly water change is recommended.

Will the stainless steel rust in my aquarium?
No. It's made from high-quality stainless steel with a black anodised finish, chosen specifically for its resistance to corrosion and rust in constant contact with water.

Is it safe for a planted tank?
Yes. It's inert in aquarium water and won't affect water chemistry, fertiliser dosing or CO2. It also helps by keeping shed plant leaves out of the filter.

How do I know it will fit my tank?
It's designed to align with the standard IQ filter inlet strainer and slides sideways to adjust. If you're running a different aquarium or filter, measure your inlet before ordering to confirm compatibility.

How often should I clean it?
Once a week alongside your normal water change is enough for most tanks. Heavily stocked or heavily fed tanks may need a rinse more often.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

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• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
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