Best Pump Protection for Bubble Tip Anemone?

[Cetus]

So, I got a bubble tip anemone who just loves getting caught in my mp40 vortech powerhead. I knew anemones would be kind of difficult around powerheads so I always kept it covered with a foamguard. The problem is the BTA still gets caught on the foam guard even on the lowest possible flow setting. It's happened three times so far. One was today and the other was last night and I just have no idea how to keep it out. I think it's doing ok? The foots not damaged but I can't imagine how stressed it might be. These foam guards clearly aren't working so are there any alternatives that have kept BTAs out of your powerheads more consistently?

 

[blaxsun]

How large is your tank? Is moving the powerhead an option?

 

[CoralB]

Yes , there are better ones out there and if you go to BRS supply or look up in this forum you’ll find them for sale for just about any pump .

 

[Cetus]

How large is your tank? Is moving the powerhead an option?

I mean yeah I have a 125 gallon but I think the bta has a knack for finding it so I need innate protection.

 

[Cetus]

Yes , there are better ones out there and if you go to BRS supply or look up in this forum you’ll find them for sale for just about any pump .

Yeah I just heard foam guards worked fine enough but clearly not. I don't really want to shell out 30 for one of the 3d printed plastic pieces but if I have to then yeah... Would those work well? I'm still afraid the nem will just get stuck on the holes again. I'm not sure if it's being hurt necessarily but I'm not sure how to combat this.

 

[CoralB]

Yeah I just heard foam guards worked fine enough but clearly not. I don't really want to shell out 30 for one of the 3d printed plastic pieces but if I have to then yeah... Would those work well? I'm still afraid the nem will just get stuck on the holes again. I'm not sure if it's being hurt necessarily but I'm not sure how to combat this.

I had to !!! But no more issues for me as far as them getting ground up into fish food lol !!!

 

[Cetus]

I had to !!! But no more issues for me as far as them getting ground up into fish food lol !!!

NemProtect MP40 Vortech Pump Wavemaker Guard

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

Something like this would work?

 

[Zach B]

NemProtect MP40 Vortech Pump Wavemaker Guard

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

Something like this would work?

I use these with good success. Makes the powerhead look huge and you also have to increase the power a little but they serve their purpose

 

[Zach B]

3d printed ones are available in different colors here on r2r and several other places if you search around. Best of luck

 

[CoralB]

I always had two for each pump as I didn’t have to shut down the pump for too long while cleaning !!! Just switched them out.

 

[Cetus]

3d printed ones are available in different colors here on r2r and several other places if you search around. Best of luck

Are they around the same cost or can I find them cheaper around here?

 

[NowGlazeIT]

Clear screen mesh zip tied together tightly over the powerheads

 

[CoralB]

Are they around the same cost or can I find them cheaper around here?

You can always go to the dollar store and find things in the kitchen utensil department and cut and glue something together then figure a way to attach it !!! DIY is always a route , not sure what it will look like in the end but as long as it does the job .you could try to find a plastic cup that’s the same size and drill a million holes in it .or find clear plastic grates and make a box that goes over the pump then suction cups to the glass.

 

[Cetus]

Know any good DIY guides I can reference?

You can always go to the dollar store and find things in the kitchen utensil department and cut and glue something together then figure a way to attach it !!! DIY is always a route , not sure what it will look like in the end but as long as it does the job .you could try to find a plastic cup that’s the same size and drill a million holes in it .or find clear plastic grates and make a box that goes over the pump then suction cups to the glass.

 

[CoralB]

Know any good DIY guides I can reference?

Not off hand , just figure out the dimensions that you need to cover .( Don’t take measurements while pump is plugged in and in the tank ) then use your imagination using what needs to be accomplished to keep your nem getting thru to the pump also keeping in mind that your pump needs to put out enough current to facilitate your tanks needs .

 

[Zach B]

Are they around the same cost or can I find them cheaper around here?

I picked up a pair of them for around 25 on etsy I believe. Best of luck