Powerhead Guard for VorTech: Keep Fish and Snails Off the Impeller
A powerhead guard is a slotted cage that slips over a reef pump's body, so a fish, a snail, or an anemone cannot reach the spinning impeller inside. It is a safety cover, not a performance part.
We are not selling a powerhead guard right now. This guide covers what a guard does, how it attaches, and what it can and cannot promise.
What does a powerhead guard do?
A powerhead guard slips over the round body of a reef pump and adds a slotted wall around it. Water still moves through the slots freely. A fish, snail, or anemone that gets pulled toward the pump hits the slotted wall instead of the moving parts inside.
It is a physical barrier, nothing more. It does not change how the pump moves water, and we do not make any flow or performance claim about it.
Does my pump need a guard?
Any tank with fish, snails, or anemones near an exposed powerhead can benefit from a guard, since all three can get too close to a spinning impeller. Whether you need one depends on your own livestock and how your pump is placed in the tank.
How does the guard attach to my powerhead?
It slips over the pump body and holds by friction, a snug push-on fit by hand. We do not glue it, so you can pull it back off any time you need to clean the pump or the guard itself.
The slots are cut 5mm wide. That is wide enough to keep water moving freely through the guard, while still standing between the impeller and anything that swims or crawls too close.
Will a guard protect my anemone or fish for certain?
We cannot promise that, and no honest guard maker can. A guard lowers the risk by putting a slotted wall between your livestock and the impeller, but flow, the size of your animals, and how your pump is placed all play a part.
No guard is a substitute for watching your tank. Keep an eye on your setup after you install one, the same as you would with any new piece of equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a powerhead guard?+
A powerhead guard is a slotted cage that slips over a reef pump's body. It keeps fish, snails, and anemones from reaching the spinning impeller inside, while still letting water move through the slots.
Does TankRig sell a guard for my VorTech pump?+
Not right now. We took our powerhead guards off sale until they can be tested on a real pump.
How does the powerhead guard attach?+
It slips over the pump body for a snug push-on fit by hand. We do not glue it, so you can remove it to clean the pump or the guard.
Will a powerhead guard protect my anemone?+
We cannot promise that. A guard lowers the risk by adding a slotted barrier, but it is not a guarantee. Keep watching your tank after you install one.
What size are the slots on the guard?+
The slots are 5mm wide, cut to let water move freely while still standing between the impeller and your livestock.
A note on safety
We print every part in PETG. It is the material aquarium keepers have used submerged for years. Rinse each part in clean water before you add it to your tank.