Cooler return pump

[Jamie]

I currently have a CS Velocity T4 return pump. It is completely silent...but at a price, it runs rather hot. My water is already flirting with a temp of about 83F and I don't even have my lights installed yet! I thought I was going to be able to keep the temp lower, but once I added my skimmer and three power heads...the temp rose a few degrees.

I have heard great things about the efficiency of Eheims. Their biggest pump is the 1262 though...and it's only rated at 900 gph with an 11'6" head. Considering that my tank is a 150gal and the water would have to travel 5' up through my overflows, would this pump cut it? Any suggestions?

FWIW...I have a good amount of circulation with the 3 Koralia 4's and also have about 180lbs of LR.

Thanks.

[bronck83]

No idea, but that temp seems really high considering it's just powerheads, pump, skimmer without any lights in a 150 gallon.

[alton]

I ran a T4 for years and it raised my temp about two degrees. And with running PC's my aquarium stayed at or around 80 on my 200. If your stand is enclosed you need to have plenty of ventilation, cut a couple of holes, add a fan to circulate some air to drop your temp. A comparable pump that is quiet(not as quiet as a T4) is the Pan World 50PXX and the water movement is about the same as the T4. For information the CS T series pumps are perfect for someone who has an aquarium in there home or office that keeps the thermostat around 72-74 or has a chiller because there is no sound that comes from these pumps. I ran a T1 in my office for years when I had CF's and if I would have changed to T5HO's in lieu of MH's I would still be using a CS "T" series pump. My boss has been using his T3 since 2001 with no problems.

[sawarf]

Are you running the pump externally? When I moved my return pumps from internal to external the temp dropped at least 2 deg!

[Jamie]

Yes I am running my pump externally. I know...the temp seems so high! I think I can only blame it on the return pump though. I keep the temp of the house around 76-77. So, right now, between my return pump, a sedra 5000(skimmer pump), and three koralia 4's, the temp is rising about 7 degrees. I don't have fans going right now...but I know when I add the lights the temp is going to rise another few degrees and the fans will help combat that.

Do you think the eheim will work for my tank? I'd like to try it out to see if it helps...but want to make sure that it can serve well permanently.

I have read negative reviews about this pump regarding heat transfer...it is dead quiet though. Once I replace it, I'll put it up for sale...someone with adequate cooling will love it.

Also, FWIW, I did check the thermometer and it is working fine. When pulled out of the water it reads 76-77 degrees.

[sawarf]

I'm running an eheim externally for about a year and it is performing beautifully on my 135, although it has had a low constant hum since new. I was hoping it would eventually settle in and quiet down... but to no avail yet.

[BIGBIRD123]

I ran the same eheim 1262 for over 3 yrs on mt 135g with great results and that's the pump I recommend to anyone.

Steve

[matt]

The velocity pumps are the quietest and hottest-running externals I've seen. Probably the best compromise is Pan World.

[Jamie]

Thanks for all the input...I think I'll give the eheim a whirl.

[DBlackman]

Hey Sean and Jamie,

I had replaced my RIO 17HP for a Mag-Drive 18 for 'in-sump' use and have noticed my water temp fluctuating between 79 and 82 with a Prime 1/10 HP Chiller.

I too have inquired about Eheim, but the flow rates are too slow for what I am doing; flow distribution to chiller [routes back into the sump to chill water and cool the Mag], CA reactor, and Return.

I also inquired about moving the Mag out of the sump and the replies I had received were... 'several members have reported temp increases, due to recent humidity' and 'run fans, both under the hood and in side the cabinet'.

I think I may just sale the Prime 1/10 HP and upgrade to a Prime 1/4 or 1/3 HP Chiller and get rid of the 'Fan cooling' concept... too many power cords... lol

Derek


Are you running the pump externally? When I moved my return pumps from internal to external the temp dropped at least 2 deg!