Return pump help

[MikeDeL]

I am looking to buy a return pump for my tank. I will have an Octopus Needlewheel Recirculating Skimmer in the sump, connected to a separate fuge. I will be keeping mostly SPS in the tank. I already have 2 Seio power heads in the tank. I would like some suggestions on flow rate. Also pros and cons for internal and external pumps. I have used a Pan World external pump in the past and liked it... Any other brand experiences with different pumps both internal and external?

Thanks,
Mike

[moe]

I just got a mag 18 it dose 1800gph and it really great big difference. I have it internal however the guy that I brought of had external. So I guess it works both ways. But I pretty sure by no time this tread will be fill with great advice.


moe

[Paul.Raulerson]

Depending upon just how much flow you need, I like the new "Quiet One" pumps, they compete pretty well with the Mag's, and use a lot less power. I have the 3000 here and the 4000 High Head model. They can also be used internally or inline, and live up to the "quiet" in their name.

Paul

[g-ray]

pros on an external pump are less heat of course, and more room in your sump.
Cons I have heard they make alot of noise and of course the fear of water leaks.

[mdavis735]

i am really happy with my ehiem.it is a 1260 i think.it has plenty of flow and i got it used almost a year ago.has had absolutely no problems.i have heard rumor that they are very tough and can withstand being run dry.

[MikeDeL]

So basically I just need enough flow to match the gph of the skimmer pump. So I would be alright getting a big pump, say 1000 gph, and sticking a ball valve on the return and circulating part of the flow back through the refugium?

[MikeDeL]

Depending upon just how much flow you need, I like the new "Quiet One" pumps, they compete pretty well with the Mag's, and use a lot less power. I have the 3000 here and the 4000 High Head model. They can also be used internally or inline, and live up to the "quiet" in their name.

Paul

Do you have yours running internally or externally?

Thanks,
Mike

[brewercm]

I've run a Little Giant, Dart, and now an Iwaki and the quietest by far so far was the Dart. The noise doesn't bother me as they have all been out in the garage but just my experience.

[Paul.Raulerson]

I had it running externally, then changed the sump and didn't feel like drilling, so I popped it the return chamber. No real heat build up from it, and it is quiet. :)

-Paul

[coraline79]

if you are going the restrict flow, be sure to go pressure rated.

[MikeDeL]

I wouldn't be restricting... just diverting some back to the fuge. I think I'm leaning toward the Quiet One 4000 High Head.

[Paul.Raulerson]

I think it was more meant to say put any diversions or valves on the output side of the pump. All the magnetic drive pumps are capable of "pushing" water more or less, but restricting the intake of water will burn them out fast.

It is usually a good idea to put a ball valve in-line with the output in any case, so you can restrict if you want to. About a $3 expense. :)

The 3000 here has a 4 1/2 foot head, and it can start to overrun one of the AGA MegaFlows. I have to slightly restrict it to avoid a perfect siphon forming.

I admit, I like these pumps just a bit better than the Mag Drives, they use a lot less power to do their job.

-Paul