pool pump or sump pump

[markfortkamp]

has anyone ever used a pool pump or a sump pump on your systems? just curious. i see a lot of these types of pumps really cheap and i could always use extra pumps!

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Dmorty217]

The biggest issue with sump pumps is they are made for freshwater so things will likely rust if used in saltwater. They make saltwater pool pumps so those could be used with our systems

 

[bblumberg]

We use Jacuzzi pumps (1/2, 3/4 and 1 hp) in our fresh water aquatics facilities. They definitely make SW compatible versions that I expect will be reef safe since the components of the pump housing are plastic. However be aware that these pumps are veryLOUD and dump a lot of heat into our systems.

 

[Daddi0]

Also, some pumps have oil in them. If a seal were to go you could pollute your reef.

 

[bkcjames]

Cheap to buy expensive to operate..

 

[Joe0813]

why not just get one for a saltwater tank... they arent that pricey

 

[laverda]

I had a spa pump that was designed for salt water for over 20 years. It was very reliable, quite, more energy efficient than most aquarium pumps. 3000GPH at 6' of head using 150watts partialy restricted, ss it was too much flow for my sump. It was used (5 years old maybe more) when I got it with my tank and still working great when I got rid of that tank. I did replace the seal twice in the time I used it. The only reason I did not keep it is I wanted a bigger sump on my new setup, so went with a more compact internal pump. I think it was a W.M. Lim pump if I remember correctly. I would definitely recommend them if you want an external pump.

 

[Mark...]

I just got a Tristar 1.65 hp pump for my pool that uses 80-90% less power than my single speed Hayward 1.5 hp. Has 8 built in timers to adjust rpm and times. Super quiet. I wonder how it would work in salt water aquarium? It also used for pools with salt systems, although the sp gravity is way less than seawater.

 

[BigDave]

I don't know about other pool pumps, but mine runs on 220v

 

[Mark...]

I don't know about other pool pumps, but mine runs on 220v

This pump is 220v also, but the new style electronics makes is a variably speed and super efficient. Some even let you wire to 110v with similar results. In my case with a basement sump the only question would be head pressure.

 

[S_Walkerman]

A common mistake that people make is installing a pool pump or a sump pump in a pond. People sometimes have a spare sump pump or pool pump available and want to utilize it for their water feature to save buying a new pump. It may sound like a good idea in the short term, but finally it will cost you much more to pay for the electricity costs and other considerations spelled out below. In my opinion, the best pump is the pond one, I have ordered it from https://poolcareschool.com/pool-pump-timer/ about 8 years ago, and it's still working perfectly.