Mag 9 return pump ?

[aquamanstl]

I'm using a Mag 9 as a return pump in my refugium. The pump came with a large pre filter sponge which I have been using for a few weeks. Won't the prefilter sponge stop any pods and small microorganisms (which are growing in my refugium) from being pumped into my main tank? I also dose DT's phytoplanton once a week. Is phytoplankton small enough to pass through the sponge?

I also realize that the sponge has become a nitrate trap for uneaten food. I'm considering running the pump without the prefilter.

Any thoughts?

Nick

 

[clord]

Well I took mine off but its in the sump I also added a elbow that i got from home depot just incase the water gets to low.

 

[tinyreef]

you can change out the prefilter sponge regularly as part of your maintenance. i wouldn't leave it indefinitely as it will start clogging and slow the flow, along with it being a detritus trap.

for instance, i always keep 3~4 extra (clean) sponges on-hand to switch as i do my weekly maintenance.

 

[gonefishy]

no filters on any of my pumps. skimmer is supposed to clean the water. also if you have a good varity of inverts they will help eat anything else that doen't get skimmed.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

what about macro(such as chaeto) getting in pump and either clogging impellar or getting pushed into display?

 

[gonefishy]

use a divider in the sump between the return pump and refugium

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

i have u-o-u set-up, but strands make their way off ball and through baffles to intake sponge.......any thoughts?