Return Pump Recommendation - Mag 5 too WIDE

JeF4y · 08/18/2009, 12:00 PM

Hello all,

I'm looking for recommendations on a return pump for my sump/fuge. I picked up a Mag 5 for the task, but have to use it external because it won't fit in the end chamber of the sump/fuge. The MAX width I can have is 2 3/4". Height/Length doesn't matter.

I am currently using the Mag 5 at about 5' of head height, and have some of the return bled off back into the sump to reduce the flow slightly. Something that is comparable in strength (500gph) should do well.

I would ideally like something submersible because of the priming issues in using the mag 5 with hoses.

Ideally I'd like something that runs quiet & cool and that I can step up to a 3/4" return line (that's what I'm running now), is 500gph (or 325gph at 5' of head) that is no more than 2 3/4" wide.

Suggestions?

sjm817 · 08/18/2009, 01:32 PM

Maybe this one
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Maxijet

JeF4y · 08/18/2009, 01:49 PM

I wonder what the dimensions are on that MaxiJet 1800... that looks close to what I'd need.

PrangeWay · 08/18/2009, 02:12 PM

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...64&pcatid=8164

A few of those models would work also.

PW

JeF4y · 08/18/2009, 02:19 PM

Found that the dimensions on the maxijet 1800 are

# Dimensions: 4.25" x 2.75" x 4"

So I SHOULD be able to fit that into my sump.. The 3/4" barb fitting is a bonus too.

The ViaAqua 1800 should fit too and be around the right output. I was concerned though to read "ViaAqua pumps are best suited for free-flow setups, where water encounters very little back pressure." Pumping up 5' will be a pretty good bit of back pressure I'd think.

james3370 · 08/18/2009, 02:37 PM

yeah i like the marineland utility pumps as well (aka maxijet), but never could find dimensions for them. they have very good (low) wattage useage compared to mag drive & such

....otherwise, my suggestion would be to take a piece of wood to sit on TOP of the sump over the return section & sit the mag5 on it. then run pvc on the suction side of the pump straight down

liquid psycho · 08/18/2009, 08:48 PM

"....otherwise, my suggestion would be to take a piece of wood to sit on TOP of the sump over the return section & sit the mag5 on it. then run pvc on the suction side of the pump straight down"
-james3370

if the power goes out, wouldn't you burn up your pump when it turns back on?

james3370 · 08/18/2009, 09:56 PM

doubt it. it would only suck a small amount of air i'd think since it would only be a short distance from the water level to the pump...depending on how high you keep the water in the sump

is it the ideal way?? no....would it work?? i think so

sjm817 · 08/18/2009, 10:06 PM

Pumps can not draw water vertically at all. The intake has to be below water level. You can manually start a siphon to prime it, but I wouldn't recommend running that way.

JeF4y · 08/19/2009, 07:45 AM

Right now I have the Mag5 outside the sump, at the same level as the bottom of the sump, but it's fed by a hose that goes over the top and into the sump. In a simple power failure, it keeps enough water into it to re-prime it, but if the hose touches air, it's game over, and it's a BEAR to prime...

just dave · 08/19/2009, 08:45 AM

Look at the Tunze Silence pumps. I have used each of them and have been very pleased. They are just under 3" wide so they will be close.

KafudaFish · 08/19/2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by just dave
Look at the Tunze Silence pumps. I have used each of them and have been very pleased. They are just under 3" wide so they will be close.

Sorry to hijack but I am looking at these pumps for me. Is there a huge difference in output in the two models. One is $60 more and pumps just over 100 gph more.

Thanks.

just dave · 08/19/2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KafudaFish
Sorry to hijack but I am looking at these pumps for me. Is there a huge difference in output in the two models. One is $60 more and pumps just over 100 gph more.

Thanks.

I've never used them in the same situation so I can't compare them side by side. Each model has performed well in the set-up it was picked for.

08/18/2009, 12:00 PM	#1
JeF4y El Conquistidor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,057	Return Pump Recommendation - Mag 5 too WIDE Hello all, I'm looking for recommendations on a return pump for my sump/fuge. I picked up a Mag 5 for the task, but have to use it external because it won't fit in the end chamber of the sump/fuge. The MAX width I can have is 2 3/4". Height/Length doesn't matter. I am currently using the Mag 5 at about 5' of head height, and have some of the return bled off back into the sump to reduce the flow slightly. Something that is comparable in strength (500gph) should do well. I would ideally like something submersible because of the priming issues in using the mag 5 with hoses. Ideally I'd like something that runs quiet & cool and that I can step up to a 3/4" return line (that's what I'm running now), is 500gph (or 325gph at 5' of head) that is no more than 2 3/4" wide. Suggestions?

08/18/2009, 01:32 PM	#2
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Maybe this one http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Maxijet __________________ - Scott

08/18/2009, 01:49 PM	#3
JeF4y El Conquistidor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,057	I wonder what the dimensions are on that MaxiJet 1800... that looks close to what I'd need. __________________ I've made a small fortune in Reefing! I just started out with a large fortune and the rest came easily. Want a Cleaner Wrasse? Consider a shower! ;-) Current Tank Info: 60 Cube!

08/18/2009, 02:12 PM	#4
PrangeWay Duke of Monte Fisto Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 722	http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...64&pcatid=8164 A few of those models would work also. PW __________________ Dumbest Quotes Ever..... "Great color, great growth" closely followed by "all water parameters fine"

08/18/2009, 02:19 PM	#5
JeF4y El Conquistidor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,057	Found that the dimensions on the maxijet 1800 are # Dimensions: 4.25" x 2.75" x 4" So I SHOULD be able to fit that into my sump.. The 3/4" barb fitting is a bonus too. The ViaAqua 1800 should fit too and be around the right output. I was concerned though to read "ViaAqua pumps are best suited for free-flow setups, where water encounters very little back pressure." Pumping up 5' will be a pretty good bit of back pressure I'd think. __________________ I've made a small fortune in Reefing! I just started out with a large fortune and the rest came easily. Want a Cleaner Wrasse? Consider a shower! ;-) Current Tank Info: 60 Cube!

08/18/2009, 02:37 PM	#6
james3370 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: US ARMY - El Paso TX Posts: 3,678	yeah i like the marineland utility pumps as well (aka maxijet), but never could find dimensions for them. they have very good (low) wattage useage compared to mag drive & such ....otherwise, my suggestion would be to take a piece of wood to sit on TOP of the sump over the return section & sit the mag5 on it. then run pvc on the suction side of the pump straight down __________________ Yes I hear voices in my head, but they speak spanish so I can't understand anything they say. there's no place like 127.0.0.1 It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful.... Current Tank Info: currently tankless....but planning an AIO

08/18/2009, 08:48 PM	#7
liquid psycho Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 23	"....otherwise, my suggestion would be to take a piece of wood to sit on TOP of the sump over the return section & sit the mag5 on it. then run pvc on the suction side of the pump straight down" -james3370 if the power goes out, wouldn't you burn up your pump when it turns back on?

08/18/2009, 09:56 PM	#8
james3370 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: US ARMY - El Paso TX Posts: 3,678	doubt it. it would only suck a small amount of air i'd think since it would only be a short distance from the water level to the pump...depending on how high you keep the water in the sump is it the ideal way?? no....would it work?? i think so __________________ Yes I hear voices in my head, but they speak spanish so I can't understand anything they say. there's no place like 127.0.0.1 It's a shame that stupidity isn't painful.... Current Tank Info: currently tankless....but planning an AIO

08/18/2009, 10:06 PM	#9
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Pumps can not draw water vertically at all. The intake has to be below water level. You can manually start a siphon to prime it, but I wouldn't recommend running that way. __________________ - Scott

08/19/2009, 07:45 AM	#10
JeF4y El Conquistidor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,057	Right now I have the Mag5 outside the sump, at the same level as the bottom of the sump, but it's fed by a hose that goes over the top and into the sump. In a simple power failure, it keeps enough water into it to re-prime it, but if the hose touches air, it's game over, and it's a BEAR to prime... __________________ I've made a small fortune in Reefing! I just started out with a large fortune and the rest came easily. Want a Cleaner Wrasse? Consider a shower! ;-) Current Tank Info: 60 Cube!

08/19/2009, 08:45 AM	#11
just dave 11th in '11 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cordova, TN Posts: 4,394	Look at the Tunze Silence pumps. I have used each of them and have been very pleased. They are just under 3" wide so they will be close.