Help in pump decition.

[fx300]

I have a 100 gallon aquarium with a Aquaclear Wet/Dry 200 that has a returning pump (Mag 7) that is not enough for it. I need help in getting a pump for this tank. I am thinking of either buying a Mag 1200 or a Quiet One or any other that is submersed because of the lack of space underneath my tank. If any of you could please recommend a pump or one out of the two I have suggested please post back here or at fsalcedo76@hotmail.com To all who read this post thanks. HAVE AN EXCELLENT REEF DAY!
Sincerely,
Fabian
P.S.
Man, I can't seem leave home without turning back to see my aquarium. (I hope I am not the only one.)

[Henry]

If you must have an submerged pump go w/the mag 12 or maybe even the 18, depends on how much flow you want to have. How much room could you have for an external pump. You can always save space w/different plumping techniques. Good luck and I too also look back at my tank, but I have to say bye to all my fish and tell them to behave themselves. lol


Henry

[TexasState]

If you're running an ecosystem style caulerpa filtration sump, then make sure there's at least 1,000 GPH flowing through your sump. If you have a Berlin type system, then 600 GPH to 1000 GPH should be enough. Weaker pump=less noise, less micro bubbles, less electricity, less heat! I had a Gen X Mak 4 external pump at 1100 GPH pressure rated, but I'd prefer to stick w/ the 600 GPH pump on a Berlin setup.

If you have a weaker pump in the sump, then use Powerheads inside the tank to increase the flow rate from w/in the tank.

I've been running a Berlin type system with a powerful skimmer and no caulerpa filtration. My return back to the tank is only about 600 GPH to my main tank.

[fx300]

I want to thank all who are answering this post and would like to inform you that I will be taking all of your suggestions very seriously. I am sure I need more than a 1000 gph because my current pump Mag 7 is rated 700 gph does not have enough strength to return the water through the overflow box and I always have to remove the huge air bubbles created in the siphoning tubes. Again thanks and have a great day!

Sincerely,
Fabian
(Thanks Microsoft Word, I don't know how what I would do without you)

[Jimnorris]

I use a mag 18 for my return. Justletmein that is a great idea maybe use two mag 7s for a return!
Jim

[matt]

Hi;

Mag pumps are notoriously over rated for flow. If you have a mag 7 pumping up a few feet to your tank, through 1/2" tubing, you'll be lucky to get 400gph, and that will decrease almost immediately as the impeller and shaft get coated with junk. I've heard mag uses 1" tubing and fresh water to rate their pumps. 1" tubing has easily 4 times the flow area, and consequently much lower friction factor.

I suggest you reconsider going external. Also, mag pumps are known leakers when used externally. Soooo... if you don't mind me spending your money, I'd get an iwaki or similar super reliable, quiet external pump. After you get your initial plumbing woes taken care of, you'll be happy. I had 2 mag pumps fail, and that's in a 45 breeder, in less than a year. One time was in the winter, since the heater's in the sump, my tank temp fell to under 70.

You could check out reefs.org pump selection chart, and there's a head loss calculator on one of the boards, too.

HTH- sorry about the mag bashing. I personally think they're terrific powerheads...

Matt

[fx300]

Thanks for the suggestion can you recommend a place to get this type of pump (iwaki). I am willing to invest the money aslong as it is a product that will pay itself due to its long life spam. Thanks for everything.

Sincerely,
Fabian

[fx300]

Thanks. You wrote : "at Vinh's place when he has one," who is he and how can I reach him?
Fabian

[utmachete]

This might be late but I'll put my two bits in. I have a Dolphin ampmaster and I love it. That pump has worked great even when I've gone out of town and my roomate let it run dry for almost a day (idiots). It's one powerful pump also.
recomend
1.Dolphin (moderate price good pump, workhorse, dependable)
2.Mag Drive (best pump for the money well built)
3.Iwaki (expensive but I've heard good things)

The iwakis have a good reputation but why are there so many places to get parts for them. This leads me to suspect constant repair needed. I have not owned one though.

[TexasState]

I do have some extra stuff listed here:
http://www.swt.edu/~xp42012/trading.htm

I made some change in plan, and I'm in need to buy some pump myself (Mag 12 or 950 or GenX.) I need to find something quiet and does not add lot of heat back to the tank.

If you Mag pump died out and it's still under warranty, you should try to contact the manufacture. They'll send you repair parts or just send you a whole new pump in exchange. IMHO, the Mag 7 might have trouble w/ cold start, you can try to warm it up or shake it around for it to work again. Mag pump are vulnerable to crush corals. If crush corals/gravel got sucked into the Mag, it will chew up the impeller chamber. This is true for other pumps on the market. Mag pump does come w/ the pre-filter to prevent this. Mag pump do have metal screw that will rust, but I haven't heard of any bad story stemming from the rust.

Iwaki, especially the Japanese version, are one of the most realiable pump around. Iwaki is one of those product that have prove their reliability through time. All these new yuppy pump might be cheaper, but you they don't have a reliable record track. Peoples shy away from it b/c of their higher cost, and the American version is more noisier then their Japanese counter part. As for the parts, you'll find that most pump have replacement part for sale. You might find more Iwaki parts b/c they've been around for awhile and are more popular. Iwaki will keep going and going while other pump will seize up and die.

[fx300]

All of you guys are great. I never thought I would get these many suggestions. This is why I tell all who I know in town to join this organization. It is the best!

Sincerely,
Fabian

[Jeff Post]

I have an Iwaki that is probably 10 years old that has never caused me a problem and is still being used.

[Tim Marvin]

I run Dolphins and Mags. Never had a problem with either. I have a couple mags running externally one had a small leak once, but after I cleaned it and put a little vasaline on the seal it works perfectly. All pumps need some maintenance from time to time. If you want them to run good and last long you need to clean at least once a year.
I have never had a problem with the dolphin ampmaster 3000, and it is a much better pump than the iwaki I had. It is strong, quiet, and efficient.

[newtosa]

Careful, Jeff. I've been bragging about my 10-year-old Iwaki on this BB for about 1 month. Sunday night it died. RIP Iwaki pump.

Dean