Alternatives to Lifegard Aquamesh

[tacosricos]

Hello, I'm setting up a refugium in my sump, and wan't to use a filter mesh similar to the Aquamesh by Lifegard to place in the baffle following the refugium to keep rogue chaeto away from the return pump. Are there any similar (cheaper) products that have an open, mesh-like structure? If I can avoid spending $20+ dollars on this that would be awesome

 

[DLHDesign]

I've found coarse mesh at "big box" stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) that worked okay at providing some rough filtration. Can find the same online (Amazon) for <$10. Slightly cheaper, but it won't likely be as aquarium-specific as the Aquamesh product line, so you likely won't get as "clean" a result. I've also found the foam pads harder to get really clean (I can get them about 50% clean before it becomes an exercise in futility) - I suspect that due to their rigid and more open nature, the Aquamesh would be easier to clean (I've not tried it - yet - however).

 

[tacosricos]

I've found coarse mesh at "big box" stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) that worked okay at providing some rough filtration. Can find the same online (Amazon) for <$10. Slightly cheaper, but it won't likely be as aquarium-specific as the Aquamesh product line, so you likely won't get as "clean" a result. I've also found the foam pads harder to get really clean (I can get them about 50% clean before it becomes an exercise in futility) - I suspect that due to their rigid and more open nature, the Aquamesh would be easier to clean (I've not tried it - yet - however).

Thanks for the input. I caved and bought the aquamesh.

 

[TyroAquaria]

What grain of Aquamesh did you end up going with? I was thinking either AQUAMESH BLACK 1 - EXTRA COARSE - LIFEGARD or AQUAMESH GREEN 2 - COARSE - LIFEGARD. I want pods to be able to pass through but not any chaeto. Thanks!