Mag 9.5 / to prefilter or not to prefilter?

Ive got this rad magdrive 950. Im working on my build.

Should I use the supplied basket filter screen it came with or screw in a 3/4 FPT tube with a COARSE reticulated sponge pond pre filter? Will this hurt flow? I know it'll polish the water and aid in bio filtration some.

Filtration is a gravity fed trickle tower from the display tank. Mech filtration is 1 drawer bonded filter pad. One drawer floss.





Sent from my SCH-R950 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

Ive got this as a mock up.




Its a basic 3/4" drilled pvc with a coarse prefilter.

I added 2 satellite sponges on a tee that will help keep flowrates high between cleanings and allow me to rotate which ones I clean.

im worried about negative pressure on the Pump

Sent from my SCH-R950 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

Given that this is literally the entire lifeline of the tank, I dont want to take any chances. I've only used prefilters on slower flowing pumps. (150-350gph) 950gph is alot. My water should be clear enough by the time it hits the sump in theory. Maybe im just cheap and buy alot of pond pumps, and those I can def see the benefits of prefiltering.

would you use the included basket style strainer? Or just leave it wide open?


Sent from my SCH-R950 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

My basket is the reinforced style. It has 2 disks connnected by a shaft that sit inside.

I didnt consider until now that since im running a herbie/siphon with 2 1" bulkheads that any change in flow rate could cause problems with the water level flushing in the weir. This may cause problems or just be a "friendly reminder" to clean my sponges

(Incase your wondering how I'm running a trickle tower and a herbie- the tower is acrylic with a small reservoir on top that holds the better part of a gallon of water with the outlets of the drains submerged a couple inches. The chamber overflows directly into the trickle tower, over a "gate" with teeth cut, similar to a weir box. The stand is tall almost 40" ive got lots lf head room in the sump for shenanigans like this)


ive decided to run with the basket until I have all the kinks ran out of the system then I will give the sponges a shot once I have a handle on all of the variables. Thanks for your help.