While a floating strainer is not the strainer of choice for a dump tank drafting operation, it will work "in a pinch" as they say - when no other strainer is available. The good thing about most floating strainers is that they have pretty good flow capacity when matched up with the correct suction hose. Probably the biggest issue is the strainer's desire to move around in the dump tank as water is added and withdrawn from the tank. The strainer movement can be managed by having an attendant (but this takes a person) or by tying off the strainer to the side of the tank. The second issue of course is the depth limit imposed on the tank regarding the amount of water that can be withdrawn before a vortex occurs. The best way to figure all of this out is to give it a try in a drill - then you will know!
When no other strainer is available and drafting must commence, a floating strainer can be effective. The two critical issues are keeping the strainer from moving around and the depth to which water can be removed from the tank before a vortex occurs.
As with any dump tank drafting operation it is important to avoid dumping water onto the suction strainer if that strainer is being used for drafting.
As long as the dump tank is kept reasonably full, the floating strainer should work okay - especially if it is matched up correctly with suction hose.
