Simple question on return pump

[scerdoc]

So, am in process of putting plumbing together on my DSA 135 gal tank. I have a Waveline DC 10000ii pump with a very basic question. Does the inlet side of the pump need to be covered with anything to prevent debris/snails/whatever from getting into the pump? Looked around on several sites without anyone mentioning this. Does that mean it is not an issue..? Just looking for confirmation from those who already have tanks running.

Thanks!

Yea, my newbie status is still showing...

 

[nvMarco]

Some sort of cover to keep bigger snails etc out is recommended, but I personally stay away from sponges etc.

 

[Intricateart]

I would put some sort of guard on it. We usually get a few Nassarius snails that make it to the return pump. They have shells tough enough to jam a pump impeller. I just installed a Mag 18 last night and need to find a guard as well. In a pinch a large hunk of coarse filter pad will work but will clog quickly. Depending on your pump size Ive had luck taking the filter sieve off of old hang on the back filters.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I try to avoid any covers, screens or sponges when possible as all cause suction headloss and can lead to cavitation. Rarely do I ever get anything in the return sections of the sump large enough to bother the pump.

 

[jesterisdead]

You can use a sponge media guard to help keep any debris out but I do use that and the regular guard as well.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ive never used anything in front of the pump inlet, you stand to restrict flow at that point if something gets in there, and also, the lil critters that do go in there are usually restricted from doing so via the baffles in the sump. PODs don't care, they go through without getting chewed up.

 

[bigfoot86]

I rarely get anything in my third stage where it leads to my external pump, but about a month ago I did have a small snail craw its way over to the third stage and then get sucked in by the pump only to destroy my impellar. Had to buy a whole new pump. My lfs did not sell replacement impellars for that pump, even though I could get them online.