return pump suggestions

[agent6473]

I'm trying to decide on a return pump. So far the options are a mag 9.5, sen 900, or quite one 4000 high head. Any suggestions or opinions?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Kevin McG]

Gonna need more info about your setup for you to recieve good feedback. Tank size location of sump, refugium, how many overflows ect...

 

[NateHanson]

What are your priorities? Reliability? Noise level? Heat? Price?

 

[eSoteric]

mags are loud!! but man they do kick!

 

[RichConley]

is it just the mags with the large style that are loud? seems like the sha[pe changes at the 9.5 or the 12...my 5 is totally silent..

 

[Jill & Brian]

I have a QO 3000 that I used for a return on my 72 before putting the sump in the basement. The pump was indeed quiet, and ran like a champ. I now have it powering my skimmer.

 

[Clam Man]

quiet one 3000 and 6000 running 3.5 yrs no problem and they were cleaned once thats it

 

[NateHanson]

I love my genX mak4. It's super energy efficient and reliable, but probably too loud unless it's going in a fishroom. Only 100 watts for 1400 gph with high head!

 

[JohnK]

What are your options and limitations? (space, will you be able to set up an external pump or do you need a submerged, noise, heat???)

IMO if at all possible use a quality external pump. It will cost a bit more but be far more reliable. Mag pumps are great for their versitility but long term they can be problematic, IME after a year or so you can't count on any of the larger ones to restart consistently after a power outage or being shut off for maintence.

I would suggest looking at Iwaki, Panworld, blueline, QO, exct. They can make a bit of noise but will work for years with only occasional cleanings.

 

[agent6473]

I don't have a way to plumb in an external pump on this sump. I'm thinking the quiet one pumps look the best as far as space, etc. I have a mag7 running the return right now, but I'm adding a seahorse tank (20 gal) and want to use a bigger pump split with a ball valve on the seahorse return side. My overflow on my current 30 gal is rated up to 600 gph I think. So something around 800gph at 4' head with some left over to compensate for the elbows and ball valves. That's why I'm looking at the quiet one 4000 HH.