Can a Mag-Drive pump be used external?

Rueg · 04/29/2006, 08:06 PM

I have two brand new Mag-Drive 5 pumps that both leak. I have tried caulking them but that only stops the leaking for a while. I need something for the recirculation pump on a calcium reactor that does around 500 GPH. Seems like the Mag-Drive pumps leak and should only be used submerged. Anybody use them externally without them leaking? If so when did you get it? Do all of the new ones leak?

Thanks.

jun_celis · 04/29/2006, 08:13 PM

They are advertised to be used externally too, but you're right.. some of them leaks. I have a mag 18 that leaked when I used it externally. I have a mag 950 that I tried using externally and it didn't leak at all. Both were bought around 4 months ago(December 2005). Anyway, I used the Mag 18 for my closeloop externally(of course, I had to silicone around the leaky places) and it's working as expected. No problems!!!

kellymm7149 · 04/29/2006, 08:14 PM

i run a mag 12 on a closed loop and a mag 2 on my calcium reactor i have never had a leak i have replaced the o rings a few times but thats about it i also use some silicone grease on the o rings when i put the the pumps back together after cleaning them they have been in service for about 5 years

mfinn · 04/29/2006, 08:16 PM

I use a mag 12 on a closed loop that leaked at first, untill I siliconed the o-rings in.

mg426 · 04/29/2006, 08:26 PM

Mag 9 on a closed loop no problems so far.

clamdigr · 04/29/2006, 10:08 PM

mag2 on a calcium reactor, leaks fixed with silicone.

Rueg · 04/29/2006, 10:12 PM

When you say the leak was fixed by silicone, do you mean you used silicone grease on the o-ring as described by a person earlier in the thread or do you mean you used silicone glue?

Thanks.

04/29/2006, 08:06 PM	#1
Rueg Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: DeForest, WI Posts: 641	Can a Mag-Drive pump be used external? I have two brand new Mag-Drive 5 pumps that both leak. I have tried caulking them but that only stops the leaking for a while. I need something for the recirculation pump on a calcium reactor that does around 500 GPH. Seems like the Mag-Drive pumps leak and should only be used submerged. Anybody use them externally without them leaking? If so when did you get it? Do all of the new ones leak? Thanks.

04/29/2006, 08:16 PM	#4
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	I use a mag 12 on a closed loop that leaked at first, untill I siliconed the o-rings in. __________________ 240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank

04/29/2006, 08:26 PM	#5
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	Mag 9 on a closed loop no problems so far. __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

04/29/2006, 08:13 PM	#2
jun_celis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Algonquin, IL Posts: 1,487	They are advertised to be used externally too, but you're right.. some of them leaks. I have a mag 18 that leaked when I used it externally. I have a mag 950 that I tried using externally and it didn't leak at all. Both were bought around 4 months ago(December 2005). Anyway, I used the Mag 18 for my closeloop externally(of course, I had to silicone around the leaky places) and it's working as expected. No problems!!!

04/29/2006, 08:14 PM	#3
kellymm7149 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: lville ga Posts: 251	i run a mag 12 on a closed loop and a mag 2 on my calcium reactor i have never had a leak i have replaced the o rings a few times but thats about it i also use some silicone grease on the o rings when i put the the pumps back together after cleaning them they have been in service for about 5 years

04/29/2006, 10:08 PM	#6
clamdigr Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 114	mag2 on a calcium reactor, leaks fixed with silicone.

04/29/2006, 10:12 PM	#7
Rueg Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: DeForest, WI Posts: 641	When you say the leak was fixed by silicone, do you mean you used silicone grease on the o-ring as described by a person earlier in the thread or do you mean you used silicone glue? Thanks.