Has anyone used a pool pump as a return?

[Brad Black]

I have and older jacuzzi pool pump and sand filter I am not using that I would like to put to use.
Has anyone heard of using these pumps for aquariums, especially when pumping with a 15-16 foot head? I also was thinking about using the big pool sand filter as a media container for water filtration or as a RDSB. Any thoughts?

 

[Rhodophyta]

I've used the smaller lily pond pumps for freshwater tanks, but the metal screws and rotor shaft most of them have may not be a high enough grade of stainless for saltwater.

I do know someone who tried a big swimming pool filter and pump on his tanks. When a fish swam too close to the outlet, the force blew all its scales off. I saw it happen. The tank was filled with an explosion of scales like a sudden snow blizard. He had just been bragging on how great it was, but turned it off and never used it again.

 

[Brad Black]

Thats funny. Hope he go that fish a sweater ...or some chainmail.

I will be pumping quite a bit of head and will have it supplying several tanks, so the more flow the better. I will run valved multi-outlets to control flow to each tank (thru a spray bar-like, multi headed appliance). I hope this may cut down on powerhead needs (cost). Things are just in the planning stages now and I'm just gathering info. Not sure if I can even use one yet, ya know?

Someone shoot me some links or whatever. Thanks all.

 

[markviiisvt4]

I would think that pool pumps just arent as efficient as some of the pumps that are out there now. If you have the extra cash i'd just go with a reeflo it'll pay for itself in the end.

 

[Rhodophyta]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12613122#post12613122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by markviiisvt4
I would think that pool pumps just arent as efficient as some of the pumps that are out there now. If you have the extra cash i'd just go with a reeflo it'll pay for itself in the end.

I think it's that newer pumps are in general more efficient with the caveat you always have to check the specs. Older pumps are generally less efficient whether they are pool pumps, aquarium pumps, or either Jacuzzi Cygnet or Jacuzzi Magnum pumps. The concerns I'd have would not be just efficiency but also if the pump would corrode in contact with salt water, or contaminate the water with something approved for human contact that would harm reef critters. ( like the sunscreen of swimmers bleaching corals)