Return Pumps

[Beckmola24]

What would be a good return pump for a closed loop on a 90 gallon tank? I have a Mag24, but am a little discouraged as I have read quite a few negative comments on the heat issues of the pump and the noise factor. What would be a better replacement?? Also, which way is better; external or internal pumps?? I can go either way. Luckily I found the receipt for the Mag, so I won't lose any $$$ on the pump. Thanks for any input!

 

[esmith]

Becky are you talking about a return pump from your sump that you want to plumb into multiple outlets back into your tank?

Eliyah

 

[Schottman]

Becky for a closed loop system that is plumbed external to your sump a lot of people use Dolphin Ampmaster pumps that are rated anywhere from 2100 gallons per hour and up. I am doing a 120 gallon tank of softies and LPS and will be using a 3600 GPH Dolphin. I know plenty of people that use the saem size on a 90. I believe Ed Hahn is using like a 5800 GPH pmp on his 90. So lots of flow is good

HTH
Dave

 

[Ed Hahn]

I am learning that is not that much Flow when it is spread out. I have been using it Since Saturday in my garage to test it. I have my Dolphin cranked down to one inch pipe on a SCWD and The Sequence Stingray on the Closed Loop. I have a lot of plumbing on the back. I have been watching the plastic shavings whirl around in the water. It does not seem like that much flow. I went to external pumps because I was concerned with putting heat into the water. I have been monitoring my temperatures also. My temp has stayed at 77-79 degrees. Mojo has a lot of experience with plumbing and pumps. Anthony at Exotic Reefs was cooperative also answering questions. I know I ask a lot of questions too many...
Good luck,
Ed

 

[Schottman]

Hope it was alright to mention your setup Ed How about some pics Ed!

 

[Fijikid]

Hello,

I am also in the market for a return pump for my sump. This is on 55 gallon display tank with a 20 gallon sump. Any suggestions on the size and brand (powerful and efficient)?

Thank you for your help.

 

[Schottman]

fora return pump again iwakis are great or a mag for a tank that size!

 

[Beckmola24]

This pump will go from my sump into different outputs in my tank. I was hoping to connect the pump with the 4Way HD Ocensmotions pump. I have heard good things about the pump and have read numerous threads about it's successes. The 4way heavy duty pump can handle up to 8000GPH. Now that I think about it, I don't want issues with heat, so this pump will be an external pump. I have also read and heard good things about Dolphon products. I guess I will wait and see what everyone has to say about the different return pumps. I was suprised that there were so many negative comments abot Mags (as external pumps).
Here is one of the threads I was reading about them
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=401287
Mind you it's only a few opinions, but still enough to make me reconsider since I will be using it externally. I know there is going to be someone out there with issues with every pump there is, but I would hope that there are enough good comments about a particular pump to convince me that it would work best in my situation. Thanks for the input, keep it coming

 

[Ed Hahn]

Hope it was alright to mention your setup Ed How about some pics Ed!

Dave,
I have one picture of my plumbing on my members gallery. I will try to get more. My digital camera is acting up right now. Dave its always to good to see you and no problem ever, thanks..
Ed

 

[Beckmola24]

Any other opinions on what pump I should go with??

 

[big t]

For external I would recommend the iwaki's, they are great. Also the offshoot of iwaki is blueline, and they are supposed to be really good aslo. If internal the Mags are reliable, but noisy. I have heard good things about the oceanrunners for internal. I have one on my skimmer and it is silent.

 

[Elmo18]

External pumps I recommend the Japanese motored Iwaki pumps.

- Elmo

 

[Fijikid]

What do you think about the ViaAqua Water Pumps?

Link:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004

 

[Beckmola24]

The ViaAqua Water Pumps are deffinately resonable when it comes to price, but I was hoping to find something in the 2500GPH to 8000GPH range. The tank is going to be an sps/lps tank and I would like to have really strong flow. Thanks for your input!

 

[esmith]

And you're planning on pulling that much water from your overflow through your sump....your gonna need at least a 2.5" overflow drain just to handle just 3000GPH (just wanted to point out that it might be easier to add that as a closed loop rather than a return from your sump, that is of course assuming you can drill the tank).

I'd definately recommend the Dolphin AmpMasters, from what I've seen and read they're really consistent and perfect for a closed loop system; however, not for a return pump as they are not pressure rated so you'll be loosing a ton of the GPH just pumping the water up to the tank.

I've also read that the sequence pumps are nice.

HTH,

Eliyah

 

[Beckmola24]

Ok, I see what your saying.... I am not too familiar with plumbing. I looked at the sequence website and their vendors and they seem to be reasonably priced. The amp master is also an option. Does anyone have any input on the 2 pumps?? Amp master or sequence??
Also, What is a good pump just for the overflow return??? What I understand now is that I will need 2 separate pumps. One to operate the overflow and one to operate the CLS with the oceansmotions.

 

[esmith]

Yes, that is what I would most definately recommend. If you're looking to have an internal pump for just the return you could use one of the MAG pumps, or externally either the IWAKI or knockoff blueline would work fine too.

I just purchased an AmpMaster for my CLS that is going on my 75, and I'm probably going to be running a MAG (just because I already use it now) or a BlueLine/Iwaki for the return.

You'll definately be much happier using a seperate pump for the closed loop...you'll be able to crank it up as high as you want and not have to worry about the overflow keeping up.

Eliyah

 

[Schottman]

Ditto Iwakis are great for returns and dolphins for closed loop. So Becky it sounds like you need to decide which it is your wanting to do!

 

[obie66]

I just bought a Pan World 100PX for my 120. It pumps about 1200 gph. It is a good price, but I am not happy with its noise. Much louder than my 15 yr old QuietOne that finally gave out.