MR5 Reactor and CS1 Recirc Pumps?

[rainmkr07]

I am putting together 2 Avast MR5 Reactors right now, and the CS1 Recirc Skimmer. I was wondering what pumps you all were using on the skimmer or the reactors. I plan on running carbon in 1 reactor, and GFO in the other.

I was thinking 1 MJ1200 with a Barb Tee and 2 ball valves could run both of the MR5's (GFO would be less flow than the carbon); and a MJ600 could feed the recirc skimmer. (My display tank volume is 160g and the MJ600 is 160gph, so that should be a perfect match - though I do have an extra MJ900 which is 247gph that I could dial down with a ball valve if the MJ600 turns out to be too slow).

 

[swanny]

I don't have anything bigger than a mj 900 on anything and they all work fine. With the recirculating skimmer you want about your total water volume in aquarium through your skimmer per hour, so on my 120g tank a 120g per hour through skimmer which a mj 900 handles, i think.

 

[swanny]

Just read the specs on mj 900, 230 gph so you're good to go and yes a mj 1200 will run both reactors with a t valve.

 

[rainmkr07]

How do you attach the tubing to the Maxi-Jets? I believe the tubing is 1/2" ID and 5/8" OD right? On the MR5 / recirc skimmer end, Avast has supplied barb fittings. But there isn't a barb fitting on the maxi-jets. Should I just stick the MJ end into the tube and call it good? Do you guys use those plastic clamps on the MJ just to be safe (or on the Avast barb fittings to be safe)?

Another question - do you place your maxi jets on the glass bottom of your sumps? I am worried about vibration/noise from the MJ1200 and the MJ600. Should I buy a couple of these to place them on? Should I buy a couple Sound Dampening Pads from BRS, or does home depot sell something that would work?

 

[swanny]

Yeah the 1/2" id should fit right over the mj outlet and I have mine laying flat on the sump with no vibration issues.

 

[Want2BS8ed]

I'll typically use a zip-tie on tubing just to be safe... no need for a fancy clamp.


Plan on gorilla'ing them on or using a tensioning tool (do a google search for Gardner Bender Cable Tie Tensioning Tool - best $10 you'll ever spend).

 

[ctenophore]

I believe the included tubing should fit over a MJ nozzle (the old MJs at least, not sure about the new ones).

MJ1200 split between two MR5s for carbon & GFO should work fine.