Tuning return pump size for new system.. may need to downsize from a Mag18 a bit.

[gweston]

I have a new/unused Mag18 that I have for use as a return for my new (being built.. still) system. I had intended to use this pump to supply water from a basement sump up to a first floor tank.. maybe 10' head height.

Well, the plan changed rather drastically. I have a finished room in the basement space now, and I will have a sump/fish room and a man-cave for the display(s).

I am thinking this Mag18 is going to be a bit overkill as I just don't need the head height anymore. Between the sump and display.. it may be 2-3' head at most, and maybe 6' horizontal at most.

I was looking at these two pumps. Any thoughts? Personal experience?

-Water Blaster HY-5000, 1300gph, 60w.
-Eheim 1262, 910gph, 80w.

Tanks to be supplied in total.

125gal 6' long.
~100g sump volume
~20-30g frag tank (to be added later)
~40g secondary display tank. (to be added later)

The main display will have a bean style with a 4' overflow in a 6' tank... so it can handle a good deal of flow. Reactors and skimmer will be fed by other pumps.

At this point I don't mind spending just a bit more for a more efficient pump. The noise level isn't as big a concern as the fish/sump room is behind a wall. The downdraft ETSS 800 skimmer will probably make it's own share of the noise.

 

[JohnK]

The mag 18 will work better with the new plan than the old one. Mag pumps perform terribly when fighting head pressure.

You can throttle it back as much as you need without harming the pump. I'd set up with the mag pump and see how it works and use that experience to size a better replacement pump.

 

[Fishcull]

The Eheim is awesome.

 

[gweston]

I guess I can use the Mag 18 as a starter gauge then, and make adjustments from there if I need more/less flow. Whether it means tuning it back or replacing the pump.

I also hear great things about the Eheim.. I just wish they had a model in the 1200gph range.

 

[JohnK]

Yup, an eheim compared to a mag is like a brand new ferrari compared to a rusty ford escort.

 

[gweston]

Looks like I am aiming to try out the Reef Octopus Water Blaster Hy-5000. It is a 1300gph 60w pump.

I'd go for the Eheim 1262, but I suspect it won't be enough flow. I am building a hefty beananimal overflow for the main display, which should allow for quite a lot of flow. Plus some extra horsepower for a couple small misc tanks.

I thought about selling the mag18, but I think I'll hang onto it for an emergency backup. Even though it has never touched water and is still in it's original box, It'd probably only sell for $80 on the second hand market. Always good to have a backup.