Need some return pump ideas

[stangd1909]

Looking for a return pump for my 300 gallon. It has a center overflow with two drain lines and two return lines. What would be my best option...

[pmrossetti]

mag 18, Flowstar 1500, water blaster 7000

[stangd1909]

What about a mag24 T-off and hooked up to both Return lines?

[sjm817]

Once you get into big pumps you are better off going external.

[pmrossetti]

Originally Posted by stangd1909

What about a mag24 T-off and hooked up to both Return lines?

would work, sure.

how big are your drains. make sure they can handle flow.

i always make sure each drain can handle the whole flow just in case one gets blocked.

[sjm817]

Mag24 will heat up the water a lot. That is a 265W water cooled pump.

[tchndie]

Is your sump on the main floor or basement? Whats the head hight? For external you could go with a reflow barracuda or a dart!

[sjm817]

The OP is in Fla. No basements there (that I have ever seen).

[pmrossetti]

hey sjm, maybe i'm wrong but your indicater always shows you as offline. is it working. maybe your just real quick and gone? just asking because i enjoy following your responses. i learn alot.anyway,thanks see ya.

yeah,alot of watts, waterblaster better option. maybe 2 9.5s? i sympathize because i'm not comfortable with external pumps, skimmers,etc.

[fishoutofwater]

How about a Reeflo dart / snapper hybrid pump. If you want more flow just swap impellers for more flow. Great pumps.

[sjm817]

I'm in and out like a thief in the night LOL.

There is nothing to be afraid of with externals. They work great and (generally) have less maintenance than internals. Most are air cooled and will not heat the water nearly as much as a submersible will.

[pmrossetti]

Originally Posted by sjm817

I'm in and out like a thief in the night LOL.

There is nothing to be afraid of with externals. They work great and (generally) have less maintenance than internals. Most are air cooled and will not heat the water nearly as much as a submersible will.

leaks

[sjm817]

Leaks? You shouldnt have an aquarium then. Overflows can leak. Seams can leak. Return plumbing can leak. Drain plumbing can leak. Anywhere that water goes from one device or container to another can leak. An external pump is no more of a leak issue than any other. A magnetically coupled external pump has very litte chance of a leak. Shaft coupled pumps do have potential leaks with the shaft seal.

[pmrossetti]

Originally Posted by sjm817

Leaks? You shouldnt have an aquarium then. Overflows can leak. Seams can leak. Return plumbing can leak. Drain plumbing can leak. Anywhere that water goes from one device or container to another can leak. An external pump is no more of a leak issue than any other. A magnetically coupled external pump has very litte chance of a leak. Shaft coupled pumps do have potential leaks with the shaft seal.

i like to minimize the chances. internal pumps, skimmers, reactors do that.

i keep overfllows over the sump. never had return leak. use vinyl tubing.

can is a big word. i've got all leaks covered except tank failure. i buy only quality tanks and inspect thoroughly to min. that. Never had water touch my floor. some luck involved? yeah, but ..............

lfs owner had his iwaki leak and dump 100g on the floor.

people are gonna get hurt in machine shops, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't do everything we can to minimize the risks, right?

[sjm817]

Do what you are comfortable with. Ive never had a leak of any significance and have used (many) external and internal pumps. I dont think twice about using an external or recommending them.

Back to the original point, large submersibles can cause significant tank heating which should be avoided unless you have very cheap electricity and like running a chiller or have a cold area that the system is in and can use the heat. A Mag24 in Fla would not be something I would use.

In a submersible, a Max Flo 1500 would be pretty good.

[pmrossetti]

Originally Posted by sjm817

Do what you are comfortable with. Ive never had a leak of any significance and have used (many) external and internal pumps. I dont think twice about using an external or recommending them.

Back to the original point, large submersibles can cause significant tank heating which should be avoided unless you have very cheap electricity and like running a chiller or have a cold area that the system is in and can use the heat. A Mag24 in Fla would not be something I would use.

In a submersible, a Max Flo 1500 would be pretty good.

is that the same as the Flowstar? Flowstars come in even higher flow rates I think,if OP wants that.

[sjm817]

Yes. Flowstar is this pump with a base and a union glued on. Also same pump as a Red Dragon which adds a fancy volute and a lot of $$$$.

http://www.amazon.com/Max-Flo-Pump-S.../dp/B003CIHVRM
The pump is inside the clam shell thing in that pic. You just toss that part.

[pmrossetti]

so,first choice atb flowstar, check site for selection of flow rates, 1500 is good

second water blaster

mags last, because of high watts, but 18 not too bad.

[stangd1909]

Thanks for all the help guys, a lot of good info. I have always used the Mag pumps, and never had a problem. Although that Max Flo Pump 1500 is pretty cheap at $126....I might just give it a try.

[stangd1909]

Originally Posted by pmrossetti

so,first choice atb flowstar, check site for selection of flow rates, 1500 is good

second water blaster

mags last, because of high watts, but 18 not too bad.

Thanks for all you help man....

[stangd1909]

I have one more idea.....I have 2 almost brand new Mag 9.5 pumps, could I run both of those? I'm thinking one on each return line....would that work?

[sjm817]

Yes you could do that. Its nice to use what you already have. It will work fine. The pumps are 90W a piece, so you will have some heat added. Use as a big a plumbing size as you can work with. Small plumbing like 3/4" really kills the flow.

[sjm817]

Originally Posted by pmrossetti

so,first choice atb flowstar, check site for selection of flow rates, 1500 is good

I would use the Max Flow over the Flowstar. $130 Vs $220 for the same pump. I could add my own union.

[stangd1909]

Originally Posted by sjm817

Yes you could do that. Its nice to use what you already have. It will work fine. The pumps are 90W a piece, so you will have some heat added. Use as a big a plumbing size as you can work with. Small plumbing like 3/4" really kills the flow.

Thanks a lot!! It will save me a few $$$$ by doing it this way, I need to go to home depot and look for bigger plumbing.

[sjm817]

Originally Posted by stangd1909

Thanks a lot!! It will save me a few $$$$ by doing it this way, I need to go to home depot and look for bigger plumbing.

You dont have to go crazy. 1.5" will really maximize the flow (if that is what you are looking for). 1" will be pretty good. 1.25" not far from the 1.5".