pump pre-filters

Hi,

My friend made a comment in regards to me using the supplied pre-filters on my pumps. I understand it collects waste but I am trying to protect the pumps.

Do people use the pre-filters?

 

I never have.

 

If it makes a different, I can take them off - just my expectation would be a reduction in the pumps longevity.

 

There isn't enough sand or solid materials in an aquarium to damage a pump in most cases. Detritus won't harm the pump.

 

I have removed the pre-filters and I notice an increase in flow but also in small bubbles which I can resolve.

At this stage I now have zero filtration outside of live rock (and a skimmer) is this recommended to recirculate debris back into the display tank for live rock to break down?

 

If you have a reef tank with true live rock and live sand (with the plethora of micro and macro detritivores and filter feeders), then yes, it is normal to pump their food back into the DT.

 

My prefilters turned into nitrate factories and contributed to massive algae problems in my old 55. No sponges in my reef tanks EVER.

That being said its great to keep a sponge in you use a T tank as they can acquire alot of pods/biological filtration bacteria. So in retrospect, its ok for QT.

 

Your pre filter collecting detritus, or junk at the insert of the pump was serving to provide a break down point for that debris. it slows the suction, and serves as a trickle feeder for nitrates. Your best objective is to spread out all that debris and let your system grow the adequate amount of bacteria to absorb the material through out.

 

This is good information - was just double checking

 

Are we talking about a return pump in your sump?

I have a large threaded in cage type strainer on mine, which will only large catch pieces of chaeto that break off in my sump. I pull them off by hand about once a week and put tnem bakc on the chaeto.

+1- agree with all that's been said

Oh yeah, I do now nearly always have a filter bag/sock in my return to the sump! That is supposed to filter to 100-200 microns!

Filter Bag/sock anyone?