Return pump

[joejoe]

Hey all I was wondering what rating would be ideal for a return pump for a 140 gallon with 2 corner overflows. I am looking into the mag-18 and was wondering if that would be good, and if so, how many would be good for a nice flow in my tank? I am still debating on whether to use powerheads or not. Thanks for any info!!

 

[robchuck]

Is it possible or are you willing to use an external pump? The Mag 18 would probably only give you about 1200-1400gph after head loss depending on your plumbing arrangement, plus it uses about the same amount of electricity as a comperable external pump, and would transfer it's excess heat to the water unlike an external pump that would transfer the heat to the air.
At any rate though, 1200-1400gph (approx. 8-10 x's an hour)would be about the most circulation you'd want to put through your sump. Any more flow than that would probably cause a micro bubble problem in your tank.
If you want more circulation in the tank, then powerheads or a closed loop are your best options.

 

[joejoe]

I am definately willing to use an external pump. I just don't want it to be TOO loud since the tank will probably set up in my room. Heating of water by the pump might be an issue with me so I guess I'll go external. Any suggestions??

 

[vtecbro007]

never had experience myself but i hear little giant makes good pumps

 

[joejoe]

Also, I plan on adding a 20-30 gallon sump to the system. Would that increase the GPH needed from the pump or does it still sit at 140 gallons?

 

[vtecbro007]

no it wouldnt it juss increases ur water volume which is a GOOD thing,....good luck

 

[joejoe]

Sounds good. Thanks!!!

 

[robchuck]

The Little Giant pump mentioned by Vtecbro is a good, reliable external pump, but the one I ran was extremely loud (I am not the only person to hold this opinion), and that was even with using all of the sound dampening ideas I could think of. Iwaki pumps also have a great reputation, but also have the same noise reputation of the Little Giants.
Sequence or Ampmaster pumps might be more ideal. They don't use much electricity and are pretty quiet. The only thing to be careful with is to use appropriate sized plumbing (1 1/2" or 2"). Here is a link to a current thread in the Equipment and DIY forum about Sequence pumps.
Also, I plan on adding a 20-30 gallon sump to the system. Would that increase the GPH needed from the pump or does it still sit at 140 gallons?
Good question. Figure the turnover based on the display tank's volume.

 

[birdy]

I would also recommend a sequence pump.

 

[badkharma]

I will "third" the recommendation for the Sequence. Possibly the quietest external pump I have ever heard, and really really good with electricity usage. The plumbing is a little abnormal though - most require a 2" intake and have an output of 1.5" (at least my 750 series does). They are also a quality pump, and they aren't the cheapest. Look to spend $220-300 depending on what model you get. The 750 series (there are 3 pumps in that series) are probably your best bet. The ReefFlo series might also work well. But make sure the intake matches the pumps intake, otherwise it will cavitate.

 

[sw65galma]

Originally posted by JoeJoe
Hey all I was wondering what rating would be ideal for a return pump for a 140 gallon with 2 corner overflows. I am looking into the mag-18 and was wondering if that would be good, and if so, how many would be good for a nice flow in my tank? I am still debating on whether to use powerheads or not. Thanks for any info!!
The guy I bought my 300gal from had an Iwaki pump on it for a while with no problems..That's the one I'll be using when I set it up.

 

[essop3]

My dolphin DP1200 is quiet. You could try one of their bigger models.