Should I be worried about chaeto ending up in the return pump?

[WiscoFishNut]

Kind of a n00b question, so I figured I'd post it here for others' possible benefit.

I recently added a ball of chaeto to the fuge section of my sump. The fuge section is right before the return section as far as flow goes. My question - should I be concerned about pieces of chaeto possibly being sucked in to the return pump? If so, what are some ways I can mitigate the issue? I'm also trying to use the area as a breeding ground for pods so I can eventually add a red mandarin. I'm not 100% married to keeping the chaeto as I think I can manage nutrient levels in the tank without it. I was really just looking for it to be a beneficial hiding spot for pods.

 

[Webslinger]

use some gutter gaurd or egg-create between sections

 

[Mike N]

Put this stuff before the return pump and you won't have any issues:

 

[Bossman]

You will get some chaeto work it 's way through to the return pump. My RO pumps have guards that catch the chaeto and I'm able to pick it out of the return pump.

But the amount is very little. When I do a water change I clean the return area if needed.

 

[Webslinger]

Put this stuff before the return pump and you won't have any issues:

To much maintenance. KISS

 

[Adamantium]

To much maintenance. KISS

So what would you do?

 

[Mike N]

To much maintenance. KISS

Is zero maintenance too much maintenance? I guess...

 

[Webslinger]

So what would you do?

se some gutter gaurd or egg-create between sections

 

[Webslinger]

Is zero maintenance too much maintenance? I guess...

It will fill up with detritus and need replacement

 

[Mike N]

It will fill up with detritus and need replacement

There are 4 different sizes. I use the second most coarse, the blue one.
It has not required removal or cleaning in 2 years.

 

[Webslinger]

sure it does, just because you don't do it doesn't mean its not a detritus trap. Take it out put it in a bowl of water a squeeze it out. I'm sure you won't be able to see through the water afterwards.

 

[Auquanut]

There are 4 different sizes. I used the second most coarse, the blue one.
It has not required removal or cleaning in 2 years.

I use the blue one too. I pull it out every once in a while, clean it up and pop it back in. Works great. No trouble at all.

 

[Webslinger]

I use the blue one too. I pull it out every once in a while, clean it up and pop it back in. Works great. No trouble at all.

Oh it works great... But I like to KISS as I hate maintenance.

 

[Auquanut]

As with everything in the reefing world, there is no one right way. Only the way that works best for you.

 

[Mike N]

sure it does, just because you don't do it doesn't mean its not a detritus trap. Take it out put it in a bowl of water a squeeze it out. I'm sure you won't be able to see through the water afterwards.

Have you used aquamesh before? You do know its not like filter floss, right? Its not really that "squeezable".
Mine isn't a detritus trap despite your insistence. I assume snails, pods, etc, get in between the strands and keep them clean.
If it was a detritus trap, after 2 years, surely the flow would be affected, right? But no.

 

[Mike N]

It will fill up with detritus and need replacement

Oh it works great

 

[Webslinger]

Have you used aquamesh before? You do know its not like filter floss, right? Its not really that "squeezable".
Mine isn't a detritus trap despite your insistence. I assume snails, pods, etc, get in between the strands and keep them clean.
If it was a detritus trap, after 2 years, surely the flow would be affected, right? But no.

Flow just goes higher silly, as the long bottom piece that stays in the water is where it builds up.. I like my pods to get into the display easier as well for my mandarin.

 

[Webslinger]

Come on Mike, pull it out and clean it you'll be surprised!

 

[Mike N]

Flow just goes higher silly, as the long bottom piece that stays in the water is where it builds up.. I like my pods to get into the display easier as well for my mandarin.

There you go assuming again..
In the spot in my sump where it sits, there is no way for the water to go above it. Water flows through it or the sump overflows.

 

[WiscoFishNut]

Well that was quick! Thanks for the responses folks! Can pods get through that aquamesh stuff? What @Webslinger mentioned about the gutter guard caused me to do a quick search around the house for materials. Found some leftover Innovative Marine DIY mesh tank lid material that looks like it would do the trick. Just need to rig up something. Thanks for the tips fells.