Bulkhead screens?

KristyS96 · 08/22/2009, 10:34 PM

Anyone have a DIY solution for screens on a bulkhead? I don't know that I like the strainers that stick pretty far out of the bulkhead, however, if that is my only option.. then it is what it is.

TheH · 08/22/2009, 10:46 PM

A strainer is better than a screen because it won't restrict water flow. That's why it sticks out because the extra surface area is needed to make up for all the plastic now in the way of the hole.

Also, a good long strainer allows for some detritus buildup without really impeding flow.

jayk198030 · 08/22/2009, 10:48 PM

use filter socks

Agu · 08/22/2009, 10:49 PM

The large bulkhead strainers that stick out have a logical reason. If part of the strainer is obstructed the rest of the surface area can compensate, eliminating a potential flood. You can DIY a smaller bulkhead strainer but you do so at your own risk.

KristyS96 · 08/22/2009, 10:50 PM

Fair enough. Thanks for the knowledgeable advice, as always.

Looks like I'll be using a strainer after all.

Playa-1 · 08/22/2009, 11:46 PM

You might want to consider some type of a internal overflow box then you could cover the box with netting. The would also act as a surface skimmer.

KristyS96 · 08/23/2009, 10:16 AM

I have an internal overflow box already. The bulkheads I'm referring to are for my closed loop system. The bulkheads I'm looking to cover are for the intake on the pump

Playa-1 · 08/23/2009, 11:35 AM

I see

, Strainers should work just fine for you.

08/22/2009, 10:34 PM	#1
KristyS96 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 160	Bulkhead screens? Anyone have a DIY solution for screens on a bulkhead? I don't know that I like the strainers that stick pretty far out of the bulkhead, however, if that is my only option.. then it is what it is.

08/22/2009, 10:48 PM	#3
jayk198030 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tag, your it! Posts: 783	use filter socks __________________ I feel like 1.025 and i look like skimmate. I eat crap and throw up! What am I? Current Tank Info: I need help!!

08/22/2009, 10:49 PM	#4
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	The large bulkhead strainers that stick out have a logical reason. If part of the strainer is obstructed the rest of the surface area can compensate, eliminating a potential flood. You can DIY a smaller bulkhead strainer but you do so at your own risk. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

08/22/2009, 10:46 PM	#2
TheH Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,278	A strainer is better than a screen because it won't restrict water flow. That's why it sticks out because the extra surface area is needed to make up for all the plastic now in the way of the hole. Also, a good long strainer allows for some detritus buildup without really impeding flow.

08/22/2009, 10:50 PM	#5
KristyS96 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 160	Fair enough. Thanks for the knowledgeable advice, as always. Looks like I'll be using a strainer after all.

08/22/2009, 11:46 PM	#6
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	You might want to consider some type of a internal overflow box then you could cover the box with netting. The would also act as a surface skimmer.

08/23/2009, 10:16 AM	#7
KristyS96 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 160	I have an internal overflow box already. The bulkheads I'm referring to are for my closed loop system. The bulkheads I'm looking to cover are for the intake on the pump

08/23/2009, 11:35 AM	#8
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I see , Strainers should work just fine for you.