What should I put over the strainer on my closed loop?

[MarineGirl411]

Hi everyone,
I was informed that I need to put something over my strainer to keep fish, snails, and corals from sticking to it. Any ideas on what I could use? I want it to be black because everything inside the tank is black. I don't want anything standing out. This is for my closed loop system I set up. Please help. Let me know. thank you.

 

[keener1830]

If you have threaded bulkheads for your closed loop you can buy a strainer that screws right in to it. Good luck

 

[MarineGirl411]

Hi,
Yes that is what I did. I screwed the strainer in the bulkhead. I am told that I need a second layer of protection though because the fish I want to keep, might get sucked against the strainer. It is a mandarin. Plus I have read at AustinOceans.com that there needs to be another form of protection. You can see my pump is the Quiet One 5000 for the closed loop.

 

[oddiseus]

I have never used a secondary layer of protection, and have had no problems to date. I think the fish can tell that the water is sucking and stay clear of it.

 

[MarineGirl411]

I wouldn't trust my mandarin. Anyone else?

 

[Lcattin]

Check this link out. I think you may like it.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11349

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

i dont have fish in mine yet...but i also didnt use a commercial bulkhead either...i then glued in a piece of PVC about 4" long that has about 100 1/8" holes in it... it will also be slightly hidden by rocks, so chances of a fish getting stuck to it in my opion are low...and you pretty much have to check for snails on it daily anyway...since my intake is 4" long though, i would need a lot of snails on it..LOL like pretty much the hole heard i plan on getting would have to be stuck to create a problem..

i am sure you could wrap it in some sort of filter media but then you are likely setting up a nitrate factory, and then politely blowing them around your tank too..