Koralia Pump and Anemone Problem
Intake Covers   9/23/09
Hello,
<Hello.>
I recently bought a RBTA and he has been busy moving about the tank, which brings me to my issue. I have a Koralia 4 powerhead, which hasn't been running since I bought the RBTA because I didn't want it to get sucked in.
<A definite possibility.>
Is there anything that I can do to safeguard the pump and turn it back on.
<Several manufacturers sell very thin spongy foam material that stretches around this style of powerhead. However it will significantly decrease the flow created by it.>
I was thinking of putting something like pantyhose around the pump and turn it back on. Is this reasonable or is there a better option?
<As above, although the pantyhose idea is interesting, if they really are still made of nylon they shouldn't be any danger.>
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Nick
<You're welcome,
Josh Solomon.>

Re: Intake Covers, Koralia Pump and Anemone Problem - 10/01/2009
Thanks for the quick response Josh.
<I'm sorry I took so long this time, I just got back from a conference.>
I was thinking about it some more last night and came up with an idea. What about using zip ties to break up the size of the slits? I could make the gaps as big or small as I want and this may not reduce the flow as much. Also, I was thinking the right size rubber band might work as well. Any thoughts.
<I'm afraid either of these ideas will likely cut down on flow, and the anemone can get sucked into to very very small intakes, so it likely won't solve that problem either.
Good luck,
Josh Solomon.>
Thanks again,
Nick

Another Use For Those Cone Feeders  – 09/03/09
Hi Eric:
<<Hiya Cindy>>
Jim, my supplier wanted me to share this with your readers as he thought it was a great idea.
<<Okay>>
In addition to the airstone trick (used either in sump or behind overflow walls) as a means of raising pH, there is another handy trick I came up with out of necessity. I feed all my discus (as well as my reef) using cone feeders. I came up with the idea of buying the 3-way cone feeders and using the cones themselves on the powerhead intakes to keep the impellers/intakes from becoming clogged. The suction of the powerheads holds the cone in place and is easily removed for regular cleaning or if you only want to keep them in place when people clean their reefs. They are also great for keeping soft polyped corals and small fish from being taken up by the strong suction of the powerheads. I use cones on all my reef powerheads. I also use a handheld powerhead for cleaning my reef itself and put a cone on one to keep the cleaning powerhead running well as it pushes out all the detritus etc. from between the rock work. Just a little idea Jim and I thought worth mentioning.
Cindy
<<Nifty ideas… Thanks for sharing. EricR>>

DIY Magnet, for powerhead securing  9/01/09
Good Morning Crew!
<Hello>
It's such a relief to be able to bounce ideas and problems off of all of you wonderful people! I've had my first tank ever up and running for about 8 months now. It's a 30 gal FOWLR and I'm trying to keep enough
circulation going but my powerhead's suction cups seem to hydrophobic.
They really just don't like to stay stuck to the glass, which can create quite a mess. So I've been looking at alternatives, and I really like Hydor's Koralia powerheads, because of the magnet/suction cup combination,
but my girlfriend doesn't care too much for the price. :( Anyway, I've been thinking about just gluing a magnet on the back of the one I already have, but I can't seem to find any information on what kind of magnet would be marine safe.
<No magnets are safe unless they are encapsulated in plastic/epoxy.>
I've seen magnetic clips made for this type of project but unfortunately they cost more than the powerhead I want in the first place.
<Nah, have you seen these?
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Co
de=AF-SG50&Category_Code=>
Just trying to shave a little cost here. So... 1: What type and where could I get a cheap magnet that would be marine safe, and 2: What type of glue/epoxy would work good for this application?
<For the time and expense involved creating your own, you would be better off to buy the Sure Grip magnets. The Koralia powerheads are a good buy in circulation pumps. Considering they come with the magnetic holder and are very energy efficient (Koralia 1, 400gpm/3.5 watts), make them a bargain for water movement. Compare to a Maxi Jet 1200 which has a flow rate of 295gph and draws 20 watts.>
Thank you so much for your time and valuable insight.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>