Good external pump?

[stocker]

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]

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]

thanks

 

[1st timer]

It will also vary depending on head loss.

 

[sjm817]

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

 

[MarkGP]

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]

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

 

[scott26]

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

 

[iamwrasseman]

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]

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

 

[stocker]

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

 

[iamwrasseman]

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

 

[ANGRY JOHN]

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]

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.