Ideas to prevent critter crunching?

[Anonymous]

As far as screens go, you can get nice nylon (window)screen material from Home Depot for cheap. Then just cut what you need.

I've used it in my setup to hold carbon - no apparent problems.

 

[DaktariEd]

I recently converted my sump into a refugium. It's about 20 gallons, divided into 3 sections: inflow (heaters/skimmer), refugium with 4" DSB, and outflow.

The outflow is what concerns me. I have a hermit crab or two in the refugium and thought about adding a snail to keep the micro-algae and detritus under control until I get some macroalgae (any donations would be most welcome...I'll be glad to pay shipping...

).

However, if the snail or hermit climb up and over the partition into the outflow, they may end up in the circulating pump...ground up, and possibly damage the pump.

Should I simply remove the critters from the refugium or apply a screen over the pump inlet? Are critters needed in a refugium or not? If a screen, what material is safe/durable enough for SW?

Thanks for any help...

Ed

 

[cgbexec]

DaktariEd,

My pump is plumbed, not through the refugium, but over the top and down into. It does not touch the side and is suspended over the bottom. Snails and crabs can not climb onto the pump intake. You still have to worry about swimming creatures getting into the pump, but snails and hermits with hard shells can't get in and damage your pump. Screening over the intake will need cleaning regularly and can reduce flow. Just a thought. It works for me.

Chris

[ August 12, 2001: Message edited by: cgbexec ]

 

[kaotica]

i just added a powerhead intake grille over the tip of the pump, it's big enought not to restrict waterflow, and small enough not to let stuff like snails get sucked in.