How do you keep calurpa in one spot?

I have a sump with some colurpa in it and it keeps floating into my return pump area. I tried putting come cotton like stuff on the wall that seperates it all and it clogged the cotton so fast that it doesn't have the flow rating I need. I am thinking of a big sponge but I think that will clog too. But if the calurpa gets into the return pumps (two powerheads) it clogs them. What can I do thats an easy fix?

My caulerpa likes to float and move, but I've found that putting a rock on it keeps it in one spot.  No, I'm not trying to be cheeky, I promise!  It doesn't mind the rock, and it grows so fast that it grows out from under the rock.  But it tends to cluster together.  Silly idea?  I tried not to type it!  I waited hours for someone to have a better idea for ya!  Maybe now they'll speak up. 

I tried that. I'll have to do it again...

You could make a box out of plastic mesh to keep the caulerpa
where you want it. You can get it at a crafts store, near the
needlepoint stuff. There are a few different sizes. I get the one with
the biggest holes. It's easy to connect with boondoggle thread
(remember camp? Get it from the crafts store, too)! I just make a big
tube so I only have hook one side together. I made one for my
overflow tubing to catch debris when I'm cleaning a tank. It holds
filter floss. I leave the bottom open.

You could also just put the mesh in the sand as a divider. I actually
glued some in our sump for dividers, to separate the skimmer and
pumps from the mangrove forest!

Eggcrate lighting grid is better for a box, IMO

The needle point "plastic canvas" (with the largest holes) would be excellent to strain pieces from going over the overflow. Just get enough to place across the entire length of the overflow grid.

Skye, call me and I'll come visit and give you some pointers.

Edited by Mark Peterson

I called and Skye wasn't there!
Maybe the "busy guy" ought to call me. I'm evidently not as busy as he is. The number below is a 24 hour number, honestly!

Skyetone, in Home Depot or Lowes or any hardware store that has a swamp cooler supply section, look for a small typically white 6"x6"x6" plastic mesh-like box.  It is used for screening loose debris out of the water pump supply water.  Cost is about $2.00. If you use either the needlepoint plastic canvas, or the strainer be sure to rinse it thoroughly before placing it in your system.

Hey sky I'm cheap so I tried a strawberry box from Wally World Those small greenboxes strawberry's are sold in it's free and who doesn't like strawberries.  Do wash it well.

Jaren Glover