Any tricks to keeping the pumps in sump quiet?

[cobra2806]

My Mag 7 and Seaclone pumps are kind of loud. I have them both sitting in the bottom of the sump. The noise is almost like a vibration or loud humming. Does anyone know of any tricks to try. I'm thinking of placing a sponge under the pumps. Any thoughts?

 

[guppie]

The sponge might work, just make sure you keep it clean, sitting in the botom of the sump it could get alot of junk build up in it. Are you sure they are both sitting flat on the bottom, that could cause a problem with noise? Is the pump new because I don't remember my mag pump being loud. What part of Pitt are you from, I grew up there down in beaver valley, ambridge.

 

[cobra2806]

Hey Guppie,
Yeah the pumps are new and sitting flat. I was so frustrated last night I wanted to tear the sump down and just live with my tetra tec filter and skimmer in the aquarium. I live in Monaca (pretty sure you know where that is!) now orginally from York, PA.

 

[broomer5]

One suggestion ....
If you're using flexible hose or vinyl tubing, try to suspend the Mag just off the bottom of the sump.
Rig up some plastic wireties connected together and make a cradle for the pump to rest in. Connect this "pump hammock" to the sump by hanging them over the edges and securing the ends to the outside edges of the sump walls.
If it doesn't rest on anything - it doesn't have anything to vibrate against. When the pump rests against anything - it seems to amplify the sound a lot.
If you're using hard piped pvc for return line - you're in for a little more work.
Sponges will get nasty - especially near the pump intake.

 

[twoods71]

I sit my pumps on the suction cups they come with and keep them away from the sump walls. The only noise I hear is from the pumps and thats not very load.

 

[cobra2806]

Excellent ideas, I’ll give them both a try. Thank you!

 

[kandr]

I have a Rio 1400 (I know, crappy pump), and it is pretty loud. Are the Mags supposed to be quieter? The only reason I would shell out the cash for a Mag right now is to get a quieter pump. The Rio seams to work OK.

 

[surfnturf]

KandR, people are going to jump all over the Rio pump, the general consensus is that they are junk. I've been running Rio's for about 5 years 3 Saltwater tanks, 6 freshwater, and a 1500 gallon (it's small) Koi pond, I've never seen one fail. They will rattle if you don't use the rubber suction cups or something else to isolate the vibration. Every single submersible pump that runs off of AC current is going to vibrate, in the US at about 60 times a second, er like 60 Hertz. It's not the craftsmanship (or lack thereof) that causes the vibration. A mag drive or a tunze will make noise too if you don't isolate the vibration. JMO, I can feel the flames already. LOL