Does your sump return pump have any type of filter on the intake plumbing? I just remembered that my submerged Eheim sump return pump has a coarse foam block over the intake. I guess this will prevent pods from the fuge getting to the display?
I typically do not recomend any filiter on the suction of a return pump, Yes it will prevent the majority of the pods making it to the display. It will also clog with time and restrict the flow rates. The only time I would recomed a filter for a return pump is if you have crushed coral or any pebbles in the sump, they can make there way into the pump and damage/destroy the impeller.
Should be no problem to pull the filter then. Your pumps flow rate should increase as well. I have to keep a strainer on the suction of both of my retun pumps, chiller pump and the skimmers feed pump, since the sum is one big refugium/prop tank, snails and fish would be shreded in no time, with out the strainer.
