Inline or submersible return pump?

[jond]

I am soon to set up a new 128 reef ready. I would like some input on return pumps and specifically inline vs. submersible.
Thanks

 

[chainsaw5vent]

can you give a few more specifics...are you thinking of utilizing a sump? consider using the simplest way of maintaining and replacing your equipment.
do you have space issues to deal with?
if you choose to go inline, remember that you will have to disconnect the pump at two fittings, whereas using submersible you'll only have to disconnect one fitting.

 

[twoods71]

I personally prefer submersible for ease of use.
I guess it all depends on your setup.
Do you have room in your sump for a submersible, ect?

 

[shadow678]

I much prefer submersible if there is room, not only for ease of use, but for sound reduction. Unless you want to spend much more money on a pump of the same size that is designed to run quiet, get a good submersible, and the water will drastically reduce the sound emitted.

 

[surfnturf]

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to me that submersible pumps are usually much more energy efficient, cheaper and are ideal for low pressure/low head applications (under 6 feet or so). If you were powering a downdraft skimmer or something like that, you would want an inline pump.

 

[smalltimer]

ONLY downside to simersible is heat transfer to water, don't think I say that because I have external, no I don't I have 2 tanks on one sump, thats 2 supply pumps, 1800, 2100 caps pumps and a 3100 for a chiller, I have a Turboflotor skimmer rio 2100 circulation air pump, and maxijet 2100 for feed water all of that in sump....but you can tell that the pump put heat into water because we sleep at night at 72 degrees in house, chiller still runs to do 77 degees in tanks....

 

[shadow678]

What kind of lighting do you run on those tanks?

 

[jond]

Thanks for all the replies. The type of pump I decide on will effect the size of my sump. If I go submersible, I will have room for a 55 Gal. sump and if I go inline, I will only have room for a 38gal. I would like to have the bigger sump, as I will have a refugium as part of the sump.
The lighting will be VHO's run on Icecap ballasts.
How are Mag Drive pumps?
I may end up with two return pumps, depending on what I do for a skimmer and return sirculation. (Ocean Currents, etc.)
Thanks again for the feed back.