Check out this link for the extruded ridgit strainer tube material.

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/.../iid/8560/cid/

Using stanbard PVC pipe fittings, like say a 4" coupling and a small
section of 4" pipe, and a 4 x 2" reducer fitting, all fit to each
other (reducer /coupling/pipe) and a 2" sweep ell, you can insert a
2" diam suction line from the pump into the 2" portion of the
reducer., and extend it up inside the reducer fitting say 4 or 5
inches, so it forms a standpipe and is not pulling sediment right off
the bottom. Slip the perferated strainer tube over the end of the 4"
pipe, and ectent the tube as far as you want vertically in the pond.
You can cap with a common PVC pressure test cap or even the standard
PVC caps. By standing it vertically, it pulls from all levels of the
water column, and the standpipe which would extend up inside the
strainer stops sediement from going through thus further eliminating
more trash in the strainer baskets. Since the strainer tube is not
glued on and is merely a snug slip fit its easy to pull off to clean
or a standard toilet bowl brush can be run down inside and around the
outside to knock off any algae etc .

I have my standpipe extending 8" vertically with 36" of the strainer
tube ectending upwards vertically, so it effectively strains out any
junk as my ponds water level rises and falls, and it is really pretty
well out of sight since its only 4" in diameter and sets along one
enclosure wall....Its black material but you can also get it in clear
/ opaque white.

My friend wraps his strainer tube in filter batting to further strain
out finer trash, but he winds up having to clean his quite often. Its
merely a primary strainer intended to filter out particles would could
damage a pump, and its not intended to be a actual filter like he is
using it for. The openings in this tube strainer is pretty small so
you do not have to worry about much getting through it.

4" is now listed for $16.xx a stick thats 44" long.......

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