Foam or no Foam on return pump?

[kielty]

What are the problems with leaving the foam on the return pump. Apart from cleaning quite often so as not to decrease flow
is there a detriment to leaving the foam filter on the pump??

[mg426]

You will need to clean it every week, If not it will collect very nasty crud. It seemsas though everything ends up in ones sump. If left to fester it can cause undesirables to grow. (nitrates Etc, Etc<)

[kielty]

Thanks mg, Answers my question...that's what I was thinking.
Read on here somewhere "once a day or so" which seemed excessive...just gotta keep it reasonably clear...makes sense

[AZDesertRat]

I say no. It blocks pods and critters from being returned to the main tank. It can also lead to cavitation and microbubbles due to restricting the pumps suction. I use a coarse suction strainer and nothing else.