Pump intake guard

[bbortko]

UPS delivered my 7 geophagus neambi today and didn’t like their size compared to my crenicichla so I placed them in my 36g instead of the 240g for now. If it gets to cramped in the 36 before I feel comfortable putting them in the 240g , the 240g has a 75g sump with no baffles but I would like to safe off the intake to my maxflo 2900. I should have some matals mat that will keep the fish safe but I was wondering if anyone has any more ther ideas for a prefilter/strainer type of device. I also have a tetra pond prefilter but its kind bulky and would eat up more swimming space than I’d like.

 

[tlindsey]

a prefilter/strainer type of device

A mesh bag made for biomedia from the lfs or even a new knee high stocking would work.

 

[bbortko]

A mesh bag made for biomedia from the lfs or even a new knee high stocking would work.

Didn’t think of that and I have an extra lingerie bag that I can place the pump in. It also just dawned on me I can buy a potted plant from the lfs and use the pot.

 

[jjohnwm]

I use those little cage-type plant pots from water plants all the time for this purpose and they work great. Depending on the shape and size of the pump intake, you could also use a piece of appropriately-sized PVC or ABS pipe that slips over the intake; cap off the end and drill multiple holes in it. Unlike a sponge pre-filter gizmo, these ideas won't significantly restrict the intake volume, which could be damaging to some types of pump.

Or...maybe just stick the pike into the sump if it's big enough?

 

[bbortko]

I use those little cage-type plant pots from water plants all the time for this purpose and they work great. Depending on the shape and size of the pump intake, you could also use a piece of appropriately-sized PVC or ABS pipe that slips over the intake; cap off the end and drill multiple holes in it. Unlike a sponge pre-filter gizmo, these ideas won't significantly restrict the intake volume, which could be damaging to some types of pump.

Or...maybe just stick the pike into the sump if it's big enough?

The sump isn’t covered and the water level is 5” below the top, I feel comfortable the small geophagus won’t jump but not so confident in the crenicichla. I do like the plant pot idea sinc the 36 is planted I’m sure I can always use another plant.