Pump recomendations

[dwdenny]

Ok sorry for this but I am searching for a pump (external) for a closed loop on my 29g. I was looking at the quiet one 4000 (not the high head one) or possibly a mag 9.5. Looking to get about 900gph or so for medium flow.

On the closed there will be three outlets for a more diffused flow. Then there will a pump from the sump that will add a fourth outlet for flow.

Does any one have any other pump recomendations for this set up.

[z28pwr]

If you are only looking for around 900 GPH, I wouldn't bother going external. A Mag 9.5 would do just fine and is probably overkill for a 29 gallon tank.

[GaryP]

Just remember that when you add multiple outlet that's going to cut down flow. I would try looking at the PanWorld's. They seem to be fairly popular right now. I have a larger one that I like. I'm not really sure which one would be right for you. Try checking the Premium Aquatics website. I think they have all the specs on them.

[dwdenny]

So do you think that a single seio 820 would be all ok for this tank I don't mind haveing PH in th tank but was possibly looking at the closed loop for looks. I would still have the sup/fuge pump adding about 200pgh at most as well.

[Dozer]

You're going to find most people on this board will recommend the Tunze product heavily over the Seio. I would too. Tunze is also more expensive, so it's a choice only you can make. I think a powerhead like that would be a great idea for your size tank if you don't mind seeing the powerhead inside your tank. Much simpler than trying to rig up a bunch of plumbing. If you are real worried about looks, Tunze actually makes a fake rock that the powerhead can go into to help with that. Of course, that costs money too- $70 I think.

If you do go with an external pump, I also like the PanWorlds.

[dwdenny]

The only problem with the tunze is the smallest one is 1600gph way more then I need and it is not adjustable so that is pretty much out of the question. I don't mind a powerhead in the tank at all. The Seio can be turned like the Tunze and I have seen mods that make them work even more like the tunze here is the link http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=525048 seems to look good.

[Polkster13]

One of the big differences between a Tunze and a power head is a power head pushes out a very small jet of water with a lot of turbulence. If you measure slightly above or below the flow, you will find very little movement until you get well away from the power head. The Tunze sends out a much broader stream that has a much higher impact on the water above and below the flow. Therefore you cannot compare GPM of a power head to a Tunze as the fluid dynamics are considerable different. Tunze pumps also use less energy for the amount of water they are moving.

[eric]

I've got the Mag 9.5 external on a closed loop (with SQWD) for my 55 and she works very well. It's not noisy (I think maybe the larger ones are reportedly noisier) and been running for a year. I supposed it's about time to break down and clean everything out before I push my luck though.

[alexwolf]

i had a mag 18 on a closed loop with a SCWD, and it was fine.

[dwdenny]

Joshua and eric what size PVC did you all use for your mag 9.5? I think it has 3/4" but I have read that it is better to go all the way up to 1.5" PVC. 1.5" in the back of a 29g is really hard to hide do you think that 1" would restrict to much flow. The plumbing will only have three outlets with only three or four 90 elbows. Will probably reduce to 3/4" at the tank and if I need more velocity I could put in 1/2" bushings or loc-line(might be better to control the flow). Basically one in each back corner then one in the middle. WOn't have a SCWD at all.

Then of course the sump return some place to help eliminate the major dead spots.

[eric]

I'm fairly sure mine's all 3/4" but I'd have to check it just to be positive. I don't see how going up in daimeter for such a small distance could do any good.

[Polkster13]

Actually, you can increase the pipe size to reduce friction loss. I have a mag 9.5 with a 3/4 inch to 1 inch adapter and then 1 inch tubing (about 6 feet up to my surge device. Fills the 55 gallon tank in a jiffy! 8)

[gjuarez]

Doug, when are you planning to do this? I would like to see the closed loop. I have a mag 9.5 and I wanted to do a closed loop as well on my 29g. I would love to see the process as I dont know how. Please let me know if I can hang out and see you do this.

[eric]

My thoughts were if you increase the diameter only for a foot or two of length and then reduce, the reducers would make up for the friction in pipe diameter.

Had to investigate it myself and polkster's right on because 900 GPH (15 GPM) is about the upper limit of the 3/4" If I'm reading the charts correctly, dwdenny, you'd reduce the friction a heck of a lot just going to 1"

[dwdenny]

From what I have been reading that what I was think eric and polkster. Then just reduce it to 3/4" or 1/2" in the tank.
Second problem now. Just found out that my wife spent my reef mad money. On me so not that bad but I had been talking about buying a nano cube DX and had not told her about my new plans. You guessed it I will have a new nano cube in about 7 days now. I can sell it and get what I want but I know that that is going fly like a big bag of manure. So I am setting up a nano in my office for now.

Jerry if you need help just let me know we can get together and plan it out and help you build it.

[gjuarez]

thanks Doug, I will let you know as soon as I am ready

[dwdenny]

Sounds good Jerry

I am still planning though so I will keep asking questions and taking notes.