Tall plants and intakes

Sure it can be a problem.
Delicate small stems will lean to the intakes. Frilly fronds will get pulled.
Thicker plants. Wisteria... hygros..... anubias and the such will not be affected.
Plant accordingly.



All in all I don't see it being a huge problem. Clean the intakes off occasionally.
Of course I must tell you I have never had that volume moving thru my intakes.

Dave

Me neither

How big is the tank?

My canister is not huge but I am sure it turns my tank over lots of times and hour. It really doesn't feel like a siphon or anything. I doubt that your intakes would create a whirlpool of death.

I keep sponges over all my intakes to help keep unwanted things (especially the livestock) out of them.

I also arrange my intakes so that they are NOT blocked by the plants. Unsightly? Yep- but I'd rather see my intakes than lose efficiency at sucking in debris.

I just paint them to match my background.