Closed loop strainer alternatives

[Reefn00b]

Guys im preparing to plumb my closed loop with 2 two inch bulkheads in the back glass. My problem is I didnt really want to use the strainers that i used on my last build. Is there something more low profile that doesnt stick out almost 3 inches from the back glass like these.

Any help would be appreciated. I know i could use some kind of mesh but would prefer something that I can screw in and will still keep snails out and wont suck my fish to the wall

Thoughts?

 

[108reefer]

depends on the pump you are using - referencing the sticky fish thing... if you plan on using a large pump - then you really need a larger strainer with lots of hole to not cause a suction. can't you cover the larger ones up with rock work?

 

[Reefn00b]

I will be using a Dart for the closed loop (2 holes in back of tank that feed the dart) which is what im using now on my 90. Im moving up to a 120 with the same setup. I dont really have any problems with suction using the strainer in the pic right now. in fact some of my fish sleep near them, I just hate that they stick out so far. I currently have them covered now but Im always scared about rock resting on them and causing problems. I thought if I used some that were low profile I wouldnt have that issue.

 

[Reefn00b]

Anyone else?

 

[d2mini]

I've been told to use plastic egg crate.

 

[SWINGRRRR]

http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?product=BulkheadFittingScreens

 

[HotHotHot]

If you put a tee on the inside of the tank and have 2 strainers coming off the sides, it works well and doesn't take up much space. This also reduces the chance of fish or inverts getting stuck to it.

I also worked my rocks around it, which is OK, until you have to clean the strainers.

Kind of like this.

<- ->
T
-------------------

 

[fightingobblers]

look at the screens that flexpvc has, look in their bulkhead section. would post pics or a more direct link, but it's a pain from my phone.

 

[d2mini]

Those screens look severely restrictive.

 

[fightingobblers]

I have no problems at all with them. single 1.5inch intake going to a dart for my closed loop.

 

[SWINGRRRR]

I literally just threw 2 of the big screen ones away. I had no use for them and tried to give them away for a year and no one wanted them. Ill see if I can find them if you want them for shipping.

 

[SWINGRRRR]

I just dug threw 3 days of trash to find them. They are in their own bag so don't think they got dirty, BTW.

They are 1.5, natural color. Just LMK if you want them.

 

[Reefn00b]

The big screen ones? LIke the one in the pic i posted or the one of flexpvc?

 

[Wippjas]

These are pretty common on closed loop systems.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog_name=usplastic&category_name=53&product_id=2457

 

[reeftank21]

What I did for use with a dart pump was use 1.5" pvc with a cross and a tee on top. Has (4) 1.5" inlets with a two pieces of eggcrate 90 degrees. Provides plenty of water for the pump and very little suction at any one inlet. Confusing I know but makes sense when you see it. I was going to use a strainer but this works much better.