Good external pump?

stocker · 05/18/2011, 03:58 PM

Within a couple of months I will be upgrading to a 125 reef, with a basement sump. Was wondering what a good external pump would be for approx 200 total gallons. 125 display tank, and approx 80 gal sump. Reef will be mostly sps.
thanks

sjm817 · 05/18/2011, 04:22 PM

Budget pump that performs well, reliable, low power use but is loud is a Gen-X Mak4.

Better, quieter, Panworld 100PX or if you want stronger flow 150PS

stocker · 05/18/2011, 06:06 PM

thanks

1st timer · 05/18/2011, 06:10 PM

It will also vary depending on head loss.

sjm817 · 05/18/2011, 06:58 PM

All of the ones I posted are suitable for the head of a basement sump.

MarkGP · 05/18/2011, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjm817

Budget pump that performs well, reliable, low power use but is loud is a Gen-X Mak4.

Better, quieter, Panworld 100PX or if you want stronger flow 150PS

I agree on the Gen-x. I run a pcx 40 on my 125 with a 100 gallon basement sump. I thought it might not be strong enough with the head loss but I had to turn it down almost halfway with a ball valve as it was too much. As for noise, I don't hear it at all upstairs! Best part is it only uses 130 watts.

sjm817 · 05/18/2011, 07:41 PM

Its less than that. If you measure it with a Kill-a-watt its probably like 100W.

scott26 · 05/19/2011, 02:27 PM

I have a Gen X Mak 4 it is a beast but is very loud to me.

iamwrasseman · 05/19/2011, 03:32 PM

i like the reeflow pumps as they are quiet and bullet proof . the panworlds are also a very good reliable pump but i have only used them once so i cant say either way . the 100 ps worked very well and is very quiet .i would also recommend using a small amount of spa flex to reduce noise from vibration on the inlet and outlet and also going into your sump .just a 6" piece reduces the vibration related hum quiet a bit .

sjm817 · 05/19/2011, 03:35 PM

Loud pumps may be ok for a basement return. I used Spa flex for the whole run of the return and the drains.

stocker · 05/19/2011, 04:46 PM

Thanks for the info guys. The plan right now is, I will have a basement sump.

iamwrasseman · 05/19/2011, 05:58 PM

hey Scott how did the spa flex effect the return flow do you think ?

ANGRY JOHN · 05/19/2011, 06:03 PM

I have the gen-x mak 4 as well in my living room and i dont mind the noise so much. I ran 3/4 spaflex from my pump to tank due to their not being enough room to drill a larger hole in the overflow. Its a great pump for the money and uses the least power of any pump its size. Make sure to use solvent cement when dealing with spaflex for the best bond. IPS makes spefic glue for spaflex if your dedicated.

sjm817 · 05/19/2011, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamwrasseman

hey Scott how did the spa flex effect the return flow do you think ?

IDK. I never compared it to standard PVC. It made it very easy to do the runs to the basement and eliminated using many fittings to make turns.

05/18/2011, 03:58 PM	#1
stocker Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Taunton,ma Posts: 407	Good external pump? Within a couple of months I will be upgrading to a 125 reef, with a basement sump. Was wondering what a good external pump would be for approx 200 total gallons. 125 display tank, and approx 80 gal sump. Reef will be mostly sps. thanks

05/18/2011, 04:22 PM	#2
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Budget pump that performs well, reliable, low power use but is loud is a Gen-X Mak4. Better, quieter, Panworld 100PX or if you want stronger flow 150PS __________________ - Scott

05/18/2011, 06:58 PM	#5
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	All of the ones I posted are suitable for the head of a basement sump. __________________ - Scott

05/18/2011, 07:41 PM	#7
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Its less than that. If you measure it with a Kill-a-watt its probably like 100W. __________________ - Scott

05/19/2011, 03:32 PM	#9
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	i like the reeflow pumps as they are quiet and bullet proof . the panworlds are also a very good reliable pump but i have only used them once so i cant say either way . the 100 ps worked very well and is very quiet .i would also recommend using a small amount of spa flex to reduce noise from vibration on the inlet and outlet and also going into your sump .just a 6" piece reduces the vibration related hum quiet a bit . __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

05/18/2011, 06:06 PM	#3
stocker Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Taunton,ma Posts: 407	thanks

05/18/2011, 06:10 PM	#4
1st timer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 204	It will also vary depending on head loss.

05/19/2011, 02:27 PM	#8
scott26 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Santa Maria Posts: 624	I have a Gen X Mak 4 it is a beast but is very loud to me.

05/19/2011, 03:35 PM	#10
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Loud pumps may be ok for a basement return. I used Spa flex for the whole run of the return and the drains. __________________ - Scott

05/19/2011, 04:46 PM	#11
stocker Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Taunton,ma Posts: 407	Thanks for the info guys. The plan right now is, I will have a basement sump.

05/19/2011, 05:58 PM	#12
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	hey Scott how did the spa flex effect the return flow do you think ? __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

05/19/2011, 06:03 PM	#13
ANGRY JOHN Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New London CT Posts: 347	I have the gen-x mak 4 as well in my living room and i dont mind the noise so much. I ran 3/4 spaflex from my pump to tank due to their not being enough room to drill a larger hole in the overflow. Its a great pump for the money and uses the least power of any pump its size. Make sure to use solvent cement when dealing with spaflex for the best bond. IPS makes spefic glue for spaflex if your dedicated. __________________ THE MORE YOU READ THE MORE YOU REALIZE HOW MUCH YOU DONT KNOW. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon acrylic, 2x250 14k and 2 54 atinic avast skimmer and gen-x mak-4 return

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
External pump - Mag drive or Eheim?	gte539f	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	20	08/10/2011 01:39 PM
Getting Connected: External Pump to Sump	SkyReef	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	2	02/16/2011 10:47 PM
quiet external pumps	readyreef	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	5	02/10/2011 12:53 PM
good external pump for EV 180?	dannieboiz	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	2	02/15/2006 01:46 AM