I've been bouncing 2 ideas in my head about how to protect my anemones. I've looked at closed loops with several intakes that have multiple holes drilled to reduce suction, but a closed loop just can't compete with my Jebao RW20's. Not to mention, it's expensive to build one. After you drill the tank, get a large quality pump, set it up for random flow, etc...you've spent a lot of money. I've looked at false walls and I'm not a fan. Built a few out of gutter guard and they were too flexible. I've built my own Guards out of Acrylic and also spoke to the female (yes... female) who IMO designed some of the cleanest vortech guards I've ever seen. Probably the best guards I've seen to date. I'll post pictures below. "Tektite" if you're wondering who she is. She is a heck of a reefer and she's actually on my local forum here in Houston, TX. Anyway, going off what I've learned from previous experiences and conversations with some of the best, I know there are some key factors to keep in mind if you're trying to build guards. The first thing you want to avoid is starving the pump. Secondly, you need "a lot" of very small holes so that the nem's tentacles aren't sucked in, but big enough to prevent clogging. No matter what you try to do, they will never look normal in the aquarium. They're gonna be bulky, out of place, and basically construct an eye sore. This kinda sucks. However, I'm not trying to make a fashion statement. I'm trying to protect my anemone's! At any time they could get sucked into my powerheads. If you've ever had it happen it's not cool. Not to mention...a Magnifica can wipe out your whole tank. After making the acrylic guards in the past, I've learned that covering the front is a smart move. Most people don't. I've actually had two Magnifica get sucked into the front of the powerhead even though the sides were covered. I'll post a pic of that too.
The new possible designs are simple. A lot of small holes. I wanted thin plastic to eliminate weight. Material that holds its shape and is easy to work with. Something that's fairly inexpensive. No epoxy coated wire, because it breaks down over time just like all epoxy covered magnets do. Long term they can really cause issues for a reef. Just google image search that one. I wanted bird netting (the kind that BRS sells for the DIY screen top). The bird netting is great to cover the front with or sides. My new idea is to basically start with a frame and modify it for the best fit and flow for the powerhead. Sounds simple right.? Ahh, not exactly. You have to figure out how to attach it or how to keep it on the glass. It also needs to be easy to remove for maintenance and cleaning. All this needs to look clean because the guards will be a bulky eye sore as it is. Keeping it as clean as possible is what I'm hoping for.
New ideas
This would be used to cover the powerhead and modify the shape or leave like it is, and cut extra holes for better flow. The front would need to be cut open and then wrapped with netting.
Stronger better material to work with. Way better than gutter guard. This would be used to wrap.
Previously tried
Previously tried
Tektite's design
Disaster
The new possible designs are simple. A lot of small holes. I wanted thin plastic to eliminate weight. Material that holds its shape and is easy to work with. Something that's fairly inexpensive. No epoxy coated wire, because it breaks down over time just like all epoxy covered magnets do. Long term they can really cause issues for a reef. Just google image search that one. I wanted bird netting (the kind that BRS sells for the DIY screen top). The bird netting is great to cover the front with or sides. My new idea is to basically start with a frame and modify it for the best fit and flow for the powerhead. Sounds simple right.? Ahh, not exactly. You have to figure out how to attach it or how to keep it on the glass. It also needs to be easy to remove for maintenance and cleaning. All this needs to look clean because the guards will be a bulky eye sore as it is. Keeping it as clean as possible is what I'm hoping for.
New ideas
This would be used to cover the powerhead and modify the shape or leave like it is, and cut extra holes for better flow. The front would need to be cut open and then wrapped with netting.
Stronger better material to work with. Way better than gutter guard. This would be used to wrap.
Previously tried
Previously tried
Tektite's design
Disaster
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