INT Protein Skimmers Intake Question

[CodyRVA]

I have a Skimz Monzter SM163 DC skimmer. Snails always get stuck in the water intake. Usually the skimmer empties because the pump can't pull water, causing my sump level to rise, then fall until the ATO kicks back in; ultimately I have to top off with more salt water. It's not a big enough impact to mess with salinity, but annoying if I'm gone because it essentially makes the skimmer stop running until the blockage is cleared. I'm guessing this isn't good for the longevity of the pump either. Anyone know of any guards or DIY options to prevent this? I've checked out Skimz website, coral vue, BRS, etc, but haven't found anything. Doesn't look like the intake is designed for any attachment or screw on guard. Thoughts?

 

[Diesel]

Is this a HOB skimmer?

 

[CodyRVA]

Is this a HOB skimmer?

Nah internal. I used to have a HOB RO skimmer when I was sumpless, but to my knowledge most of those pumps have guards.

 

[Diesel]

My question is why do you have snails in the sump?
IMO a sump needs to stay clean and dark under the tank for just the many equipment some ppl have to keep it out of site.
Do you have a picture of your sump with skimmer?

 

[CodyRVA]

My question is why do you have snails in the sump?
IMO a sump needs to stay clean and dark under the tank for just the many equipment some ppl have to keep it out of site.
Do you have a picture of your sump with skimmer?

I always thought you needed some snails down there. I mean, they definitely keep the sump clean. If there wasn't food down there they would die off. Unfortunately, most of the breeding takes place in the sump so small shells often get sucked up into the skimmer as well as the large ones blocking the intake. All banded trochus.

 

[Diesel]

Keep snails out the sump......... my advice.
If not it will be a ongoing problem.
That's one of the reasons we have a sump as all livestock stays in the DT and sump is only for equipment.
Many hobbyist have a different view on that but let me be old school then and boring but my skimmer is working ;)

 

[Water Dog]

Dr. Foster's and Smith sells coarse media bags. Perhaps you can zip tie a cut out section of this mesh to the outlet?

 

[CodyRVA]

Keep snails out the sump......... my advice.
If not it will be a ongoing problem.
That's one of the reasons we have a sump as all livestock stays in the DT and sump is only for equipment.
Many hobbyist have a different view on that but let me be old school then and boring but my skimmer is working ;)

haha i hear ya. If i can find a way to protect the intake i'd like to. Like i said, the snails don't just survive down there, they thrive. Almost all the breeding happens down there and I very much appreciate not having to buy cleaners. I also find other critters that... I didn't even put down there, so even if i remove the snails will they end up down there periodically anyways?

Ive considered putting some egg crate or screen around that chamber, but skeptical that it would work.

 

[CodyRVA]

Dr. Foster's and Smith sells coarse media bags. Perhaps you can zip tie a cut out section of this mesh to the outlet?

Link?

 

[Water Dog]

http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=13961

They are below the fine media bags on the page.