Return pump screen/inlet cover

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

What are everyone's thoughts on these, and what are some good options. I have an external fuge, so I dont have to worry about cheato or snails getting into the return chamber. But still seems like a good idea to have one. In my case i would need a 2" female for the cover/screen to work with the abyzz A200. any ideas @Humblefish @4FordFamily @dbl ???

4FordFamily · Jan 31, 2019

AiKkz said:
What are everyone's thoughts on these, and what are some good options. I have an external fuge, so I dont have to worry about cheato or snails getting into the return chamber. But still seems like a good idea to have one. In my case i would need a 2" female for the cover/screen to work with the abyzz A200. any ideas @Humblefish @4FordFamily @dbl ???

I probably should have one for my two Abyzz A200 too --- I haven't had a screen on any of my return pumps and until the Abyzz I've never had "nice" or "quality" pumps and I've had good luck --- except for the Sedra on the ASM products. They're great skimmers but I need a new propeller every year or two.

This kind of thing isn't my wheelhouse though, I don't know much about it. Sorry I am not more help.

#reefsquad

saltyhog · Jan 31, 2019

I may have been lucky but I've never had anything get in my return pump worse than a couple of strands of chaeto. Skimmer, power heads yes. I'm running a Vectra M1 , interested to see if there is an easy way to do this.

redfishbluefish · Jan 31, 2019

I don't know what "these" are.....no picture.

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

@4FordFamily so you just leave the inlet open with nothing on it? I will probably do the same as nothing should be able to get into my return.

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

redfishbluefish said:
I don't know what "these" are.....no picture.

similar to that.

Big G · Jan 31, 2019

+1 ^^^ my RO varios has a cover like that on the intake. No worries. It works.

Ron Reefman · Jan 31, 2019

My return pump has a screen/cover like that as well and it works well 99% of the time. But I do have some stuff from my fuge that gets into my return section of the sump.

dbl · Jan 31, 2019

I have always used a screen/cover of some sort on my return pumps. Necessary, maybe not. But I just feel better knowing nothing "large" is going to get sucked in. I just unscrew it, remove it and clean every couple of months - and I don't even bother to turn the pump off while doing it. Never had an issue, knock on wood.

@AiKkz you can see for yourself when you eventually come by for some goodies...lol.

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

Big G said:
+1 ^^^ my RO varios has a cover like that on the intake. No worries. It works.

That's not my pump, I'm asking for options similar to that. Something that will fit my abyzz a200.

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

dbl said:
I have always used a screen/cover of some sort on my return pumps. Necessary, maybe not. But I just feel better knowing nothing "large" is going to get sucked in. I just unscrew it, remove it and clean every couple of months - and I don't even bother to turn the pump off while doing it. Never had an issue, knock on wood.

@AiKkz you can see for yourself when you eventually come by for some goodies...lol.

@dbl yeah I need ideas, I haven't found alot that fits a 2" male.

dbl · Jan 31, 2019

AiKkz said:
@dbl yeah I need ideas, I haven't found alot that fits a 2" male.

What about this one? Just remember, even if the thread pattern is slightly off, all you have to do is get it started. Doesn't need to be fully seated to work in this application.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Lifegar...arts-Lifegard_Aquatics-RB31460-FIFTST-vi.html

Reefahholic · Jan 31, 2019

You can go to any craft store and fix it up even better if you like. They sell some very cheap plastic canvas of multiple sizes.

Here's an example below:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/looking-for-a-quick-idea-for-tank-divider.190171/

Big G · Jan 31, 2019

AiKkz said:
That's not my pump, I'm asking for options similar to that. Something that will fit my abyzz a200.

I'd head over to a plumbing supply house that caters to irrigation and wells. They have lots of filters and screens to keep rocks, etc. from entering and ruining expensive submersible pumps.

Pntbll687 · Jan 31, 2019

Why not use PVC with an end cap, then just drill a bunch of tiny holes, or use a saw to make slits?

You could even customize it by painting and making it match the pump.

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

Pntbll687 said:
Why not use PVC with an end cap, then just drill a bunch of tiny holes, or use a saw to make slits?

You could even customize it by painting and making it match the pump.

I thought about that, but would be to much restriction on the intake. The well pump/ sewage plastic filter caps seem like a great idea.

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

Trying to find this well screen.

ndrwater · Jan 31, 2019

There is a company that makes 3D printed aquarium parts. I have a couple of their returns. I saw on BRS the other day that they are now also making guards/covers for Ecotech MP's. Wondering if they could be coerced into making something for thr Abyzz... Or someone with some cool skills print some up??
Let me find the name and link...

Found it...

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nemprotect-powerhead-guard-for-vortech-mp40-wavemaker-guards.html

AiKkz · Jan 31, 2019

ndrwater said:
There is a company that makes 3D printed aquarium parts. I have a couple of their returns. I saw on BRS the other day that they are now also making guards/covers for Ecotech MP's. Wondering if they could be coerced into making something for thr Abyzz... Or someone with some cool skills print some up??
Let me find the name and link...

Yeah, that would be awesome. Make them different colors, and themes.

ndrwater · Jan 31, 2019

AiKkz said:
Yeah, that would be awesome. Make them different colors, and themes.

Just wanted to make sure that I posted up the link to the guard. If that company could make the MP guards, I see no reason why a threaded inlet screen would be an issue... Maybe a phone call is in order...