Mag Pump for closed loop

[brewercm]

Has anyone used the Mag Drive pumps for a closed loop system. I've read some not so good things about using them external but wanted to get some feedback from some who might have tried. I'm thinking either Mag7 or 9.5.

Thanks,
Cliff

[captexas]

Cliff -
I have my closed loop running on a Mag 12 and I know Josh has had a couple of Mags used externally. I have heard the same things that they tend to leak, more so on the smaller pumps. I think if you teflon tape the crud out of the connector threads it will be ok.

Chris

[Jimnorris]

I am using a Mag 18 on a closed loop and it works GREAT! I am also using a Mag 2 on a closed loop and it works GREAT! I did once use a Mag 5 on a calcium reactor and it leaked!
Jim

[brewercm]

Didn't know that the leaking was a problem. I like to use a product called Great White instead of teflon tape. It's a teflon based paste that I've found to seal much better than the tapes do (never had a leak so far). If the possibility of leaks was the major problem then I don't see any reason not to give it a try. I thought it was because of actual pump issues.

Thanks for the replies, I'll give it a try once I get a chance.

[GeoB]

I used a Mag 12 on closed loop for a short period. It worked fine until I tried to tighten the pvc going into the intake too much. I split the Mag's intake, can only use it in-sump now. The pvc going into the intake was a 90 degree elbow and I had about a foot of pvc coming off of it that I was using to tighten it. It didn't feel like I was putting that much pressure on it, but I guess that is what leverage will do for you.

[brewercm]

Did the same thing at one point with the inlet of a Berlins skimmer. Split that baby real nice by tightening it down too much. That's where I've found that the Great White stuff works out great, it keeps me from worrying whether or not something is tight enough to keep from leaking.