what pump to get?

[10gnano]

I've been looking for a return pump for my AIO on setup. I'm looking to keep it around 300 gph, relatively inexpensive and no larger than 3x3.5x4 (LxWxH).

Eheim Compact Pump
Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Powerhead

It's a toss up between these two. What do you guys think? any other suggestions?

 

[Krish]

Both pumps will do the job. I have had many maxijets and never had one fail on me and for the price, you can't beat them. Then you have Eheim which is a very reliable brand as well. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

[dnjan]

How do you configure the Maxijet powerhead as a return pump? I've jury-rigged them to do that kind of thing before, but is there a standard adapter to convert from powerhead to return-pump configuration?

 

[Krish]

How do you configure the Maxijet powerhead as a return pump? I've jury-rigged them to do that kind of thing before, but is there a standard adapter to convert from powerhead to return-pump configuration?

AIO ("all-in-one" tank) would have the pump sit in a back compartment of the tank so there would be really no headloss which is why they work so great. I used maxijets this way on my 24 gal Aquapod (AIO).


Here is a picture of it





If you want to get real fancy, here's three of them when I replaced the back wall.

 

[Krish]

How do you configure the Maxijet powerhead as a return pump? I've jury-rigged them to do that kind of thing before, but is there a standard adapter to convert from powerhead to return-pump configuration?

Sorry Don...I didn't answer your question properly. I was distracted a bit. If you look at the second picture, you can see a barbed 90 degree fitting in there. That's basically all you need. I have that fitting threaded into the back of a bulkhead which I used lockline for my output nozzle.


Here are the parts below I used.

 

[Peppie]

I also used the Maxijet with no problems

 

[10gnano]

thanks everybody for the responses, I think i'm going to go with the eheim. Size wise it should work better with my AIO design.

 

[Krish]

Eheim is supposed to be an amazing pump and very reliable. I doubt you will regret it. Make sure to post pictures!

 

[10gnano]

Eheim is supposed to be an amazing pump and very reliable. I doubt you will regret it. Make sure to post pictures!

Pics will come...I have a eheim compact+ 2000 pump on my 10 gallon and have been very satisfied with it

 

[dnjan]

Sorry Don...I didn't answer your question properly. I was distracted a bit. If you look at the second picture, you can see a barbed 90 degree fitting in there. That's basically all you need. I have that fitting threaded into the back of a bulkhead which I used lockline for my output nozzle.

Thanks! That makes more sense.
Any problem sliding that tubing back off of the maxijet at cleaning/replacement time?

 

[Krish]

Nope! Never had an issue. On the pump itself, the tubing just slides on and I used a small zip tie to hold it on a bit tighter. Just think of a two little fishies phosban reactor. They use a maxijet to run them as well. No issues removing them for cleaning. Also, there are some plastic clamps you can buy (similar to what comes with the phosban reactor) that you sort of pinch clamp it on to the hose. Works well.