Protecting drains (in sump, tank, etc) not overflow style

[RokleM]

I've got a question. I have a 1.25" drain in the bottom of my 100 gal Rubbermaid poly sump that goes to my pump. I am starting to get some algae in there I'd like to get rid of via a few snails, but I'm afraid of them getting sucked into the pump via the drain hole.

What do you use to protect these drain holes from anything from snails, to fish, to small rocks getting sucked in? I guess the same could go for closed loop systems where you have water getting sucked into holes in the side of the tank.

Options?

 

[Gobie]

They sell threaded round cages that you can install.
(Threaded Overflow Strainers)

 

[Airman]

Why worry about a little algae? A snail going through the pump would be a bigger problem.

 

[RokleM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6617662#post6617662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Airman
Why worry about a little algae? A snail going through the pump would be a bigger problem.

... Um, that was my point of my post... I don't have any snails down there right now, and need to ensure it's safe before I do.

 

[RokleM]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6617655#post6617655 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gobie
They sell threaded round cages that you can install.
(Threaded Overflow Strainers)

The insides aren't threaded, but I will look into this none the less. Maybe they have a slip one as well. Any websites you could point me to specifically?

 

[Gobie]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_bulkheads_strainers.asp

 

[RokleM]

Thanks, I should be able to find something there that works.

Let me know if anyone else has suggestions.