Submerged or External Recirc. Pump

codemannc · 12/21/2011, 12:00 PM

Fishing for ideas/opinions based on facts:
I have been reef keeping on and off for 16 years with a 30 gal nano. In the last 3 years I have really stepped up and taken my tank to a reef enthusiast level, adding more lighting, dual Next Reef reactor (Carbon & GFO), Biodenitrator, etc... Now I am considering a much large tank 180-210 gallon.

My question is this should I use a submersible pump in the sump or drill the sump and go external. I have used the same submersible pump in my current sump setup for 7-8 years without a problem. I know submersible take up room in the sump, but that is off set by one less source for a leak (at bulkhead).

Anyway what are others using?

SneakyPete · 12/21/2011, 12:18 PM

I don't have a lot of experience, but I can add a couple of things in the "pro submersable":

They add heat to your tank. this could be a pro or a con i guess, but living in minnesota, it is a pro for me.

They are typically let noisy. You have all the water absorbing the sound of the pump (assuming you have it on rubber pegs off the glass).

Toddrtrex · 12/21/2011, 12:50 PM

I have used both, and currently all 3 of my tanks have submersible pumps. Overall I like external better, but maintenance on a submersible pump is a lot easier -- IMO/E. I don't seem to spill as much water now-a-days when taking the pump off line.

However, with bigger tanks, the benefits of an external pump might push things in their direction.

12/21/2011, 12:00 PM	#1
codemannc Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Gastonia, NC Posts: 35	Submerged or External Recirc. Pump Fishing for ideas/opinions based on facts: I have been reef keeping on and off for 16 years with a 30 gal nano. In the last 3 years I have really stepped up and taken my tank to a reef enthusiast level, adding more lighting, dual Next Reef reactor (Carbon & GFO), Biodenitrator, etc... Now I am considering a much large tank 180-210 gallon. My question is this should I use a submersible pump in the sump or drill the sump and go external. I have used the same submersible pump in my current sump setup for 7-8 years without a problem. I know submersible take up room in the sump, but that is off set by one less source for a leak (at bulkhead). Anyway what are others using?

12/21/2011, 12:18 PM	#2
SneakyPete I see you Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northwestern Minnesota Posts: 513	I don't have a lot of experience, but I can add a couple of things in the "pro submersable": They add heat to your tank. this could be a pro or a con i guess, but living in minnesota, it is a pro for me. They are typically let noisy. You have all the water absorbing the sound of the pump (assuming you have it on rubber pegs off the glass). __________________ 40B in recovery mode Trumpet coral, Kenya tree, unknown Zoa Skunk Cleaner, 2 Ocellaris Clowns, Royal Gramma Current Tank Info: 40B w 29 sump. 50 lbs rock

12/21/2011, 12:50 PM	#3
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	I have used both, and currently all 3 of my tanks have submersible pumps. Overall I like external better, but maintenance on a submersible pump is a lot easier -- IMO/E. I don't seem to spill as much water now-a-days when taking the pump off line. However, with bigger tanks, the benefits of an external pump might push things in their direction. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

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