rotifer sieves

[euromomtx]

I purchased a set of sieves (250, 120 and 53 mesh) to collect rotifers. I let the water run through the 250 and 120 first to get out any small debris, etc. but then it just sits on top of the 53 mesh.
What am I doing wrong? Was I supposed to pretreat the sieves/mesh somehow?

 

[reefstew]

As long as the 53 micron sieve is wet, water should run through it. If you are aerating your rotifer culture to strong you are probably clogging the mesh with algae.

 

[dmStewy]

when the mesh has water in it rub the bottom side with your finger that should start the water flowing through it

 

[Clown King]

Where did you get your sieves from?

 

[billsreef]

Place the bottom of the sieve in a bucket so that there is an inch or two of water inside the sieve. This will keep the rots in suspension so that they don't pack the screen and impede the water flow. Once you've sieved the volume of culture water your doing, simply raise the sieve and swirl it around a bit to let the rest of the water drain from the sieve.