Intake strainers

[Gerryd]

Hey all,

I am looking for two 1" strainers.

The ones I have have an open top, so stuff can get in that way. They are encased within a large sponge.

Others I have purchased have had a closed top and they restricted flow considerably.

What do you folks use that have drilled intakes? Do you also use a sponge on them?

I am thinking of removing my wier walls now that I went closed loop. They currently hide the sponge/strainers and provide skimming, but I would like to remove them and get the space.

Thanks as always.

 

[JDowns]

I'd have to go by the LFS that I get mine down the street and check on the manufacturer. But they carry a large pore closed top prefilter sponge that works great on a 1" intake fitting. I think the importance is in the larger pore size to not restrict flow. I can check on it today for you if needed.

 

[Gerryd]

Jdowns,

That would be great. I scoured the LFS in my area and no luck. Ones on the web are with a closed top...

No rush. Appreciate the effort.

 

[Tom Barr]

Use a drill to add holes on the top.
I add a sponge prefilter to all intakes on every tank.
Keeps shrimp out, adds longer life to the cleaning frequency etc.

I clean them often(2x a week typically).

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Gerryd]

Tom,

Yes I do the same, the sponges help a lot...........

I was trying to avoid the drilling as the caps are hard plastic and small.

My hands aren't as steady as they used to be..........

No vise either, before you ask

 

[JDowns]

These are what I use.

Pentair Aquatics 1" Strainer Slip at Big Al's Online

with

Pondmaster Pondmaster Mag Drive 9.5, 12, 18 Prefilter Pondmaster Mag Drive 9.5, 12, 18 Prefilter

I remove the strainer that comes with that prefilter and use the 1" slip. That prefilter has the largest pore size that I've been able to find locally. I did shave about an inch off of two sides to make it fit nicer into my overlow. I don't notice any difference wether the prefilter is on or off so it gets plenty of flow in my configuration.

If you have a blow torch you coud just heat up a drill bit / small screwdriver head and melt your holes in the top if you feel you need more flow.

Hope that helps.

 

[Gerryd]

Jdowns,

Thanks for the links. Will check the products out..........

Tom,

Yes I rinse my sponge pre-filters twice a week as well. Really helps keep the NC cleaner..