External pump recommendation?

[JoeESSA]

I have a 140G reef tank with twin overflows and twin 0.75" diameter returns. Currently using a SeaLife Systems 200 sump/refugium (perhaps a bit on the small side for the 140G) and a Mag12 for return.

I am considering changing the Mag 12 with an external pump to reduce heat being dumped into the water and to increase flow.

I am looking at the Iwaki MD55 RLT or the MD70 RLT. I was wondering if I would gain flow rate with the MD55 RLT compared to the Mag 12 and I was also wondering if the MD77 RLT would give too much flow for the sump I am using? At a guess the sump volme is 15 to 20G. Any other pump recommendations would be appreciated.

Regards,

Joe

 

[JoeESSA]

Any recommendations?

 

[fish-freek-3000]

the velocity T4 is a very small and very quiet pump. it moves 1200 at 4 ft. I am using it on my 180

 

[hipertec]

I just ordered the sequence tarpon and the panworld 150ps would also be a great choice. have the gen x pcx55 right now.

 

[JoeESSA]

Heard that the T4 put's quite a bit of heat into the water compared to other external pumps. Read a couple of people saying that it added a couple deg F to their temps. I'm trying to get rid of the heat that my Mag 12 puts into the water...

Other than that I like the fact that the T4 is reported to be extremely quiet...

 

[Deacon]

Yes, the T4 does add heat. I used one for a while and it added about 3 degrees F to my 125 gal. But it was such a nice pump and almost silent...when first installed I'd walk up to the tank and look in just to make sure the pump was still running, because I couldn't hear it at all.

 

[JoeESSA]

Anyone have a Iwaki MD55 RLT - experiences?

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I have not used the 55, but I have other Pan World and Iwaki pumps. My guess is the Iwaki will give you a very similar flow rate to the mag 12.

I wouldn't go bigger then this for your size of tank. I assume your drains lines are 1"? With two of them, they can only handle about 1200 gph anyway. Plus that alot of flor going through your sump. I would try to keep the flow around 700-800gph or less through the sump. Get your increased flow with power heads or on a closed loop.

You cant go wrong with an Iwaki...or its equivalent Pan World. I am planning to use the Pan World 150ps as the return for my 210, with a amp master 3000 or Sequence Dart for a closed loop.

 

[JoeESSA]

Thanks for the reply. I think from the replies I've had in this and other threads that the MD55 RLT will have the advantage over the Mag12 on flow at 5' head with 0.75" return plumbing. They would be similar I think with 1" or 1.5" plumbing. You're right my drains are 1" diameter (so, 2x600gph is the limit, right?), but my returns are 0.75".

Can you explain to me in more detail how you setup a closed loop? Is it just a drain pipe going straight to a pump and a return line, maybe at opposite ends of the tank to create a current? This is maybe more interesting to me as I do not like the appearance of power heads in the display.

 

[marcrothschild]

Iwaki 30 RLXT is plenty of pump, and it does not have a fan....so its quiet. PanWorld 50PXX has the same flow, but it has a fan....great pump, not too loud. Eheim 1260 is also a good choice, but has less floe than the other two.....still enough for a sump return though.

 

[fantastic4]

closed loop is when you have drains that tie into tubing that lead into a pump. The pump then returns the water via connected tubing to provide your significant water movement. The term "closed" refers to the fact, it really does not matter if you lose power as the water system is completely plumbed.

i.e. drain on center back of tank to PVC to Sequence Dart Pump. Dart Pump spews water back via PVC to SeaSwirl or plain outlet fitting.

This is a closed loop
http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html

"Another method gaining popularity is the closed loop by which water is siphoned from the main tank to a pump that in turn pushes the water right back into the aquarium via multiple returns to create water turbulence."
Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef_tank

 

[JoeESSA]

fantastic4 thanks for the reply. I wasn't far off the mark with my guess. But man that closed loop system on the first link (melevsreef) is UGLEE! Each to their own I suppose...Pretty sure it could be put together in a more aesthetically pleasing way with some effort thougn...