I am setting up a 300 gallon tank with 2 drains 1 1/4in and returns are gonna be2- 1 inch. what are the pros and cons of submersible, this is what i intend to use. Might use a couple ocean runners on each return line. Or should i use an external pump? i only want 1200gal/hr max thru my sump, so thats y i figure two oceanrunners would be better than one loud powerful external pump. any thoughts?
pros cons of sub vs external pumps
- Thread starter AMD30
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Chris Witort
New member
The most important (to me ) reason to consider in sump over external is reduced chance for flood if there is a failure.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Not all externals are the same. Some are water cooled --- which will add some heat. Whereas some are aired cooled --- which wouldn't add any heat. As for noise, the quietest pump (( internal or external )) that I have ever heard (( actually can't hear it because it is totally silent )) is the Velocity T2. Though it is watered cooled and dose add a little bit of heat to the tank.
Chris Witort
New member
I have used both and have had many "accidents" using an external pump that has put allot of water on the floor. One case was where the rear seal failed and caused a flood, another was when the hose cracked where it was clamped to the fitting on the pump and sprayed water all over the place. I have had internal pumps fail too but they are usually contained by the sump.
108reefer
New member
I am currently running a dolphin pump (older 3600) 3 years without a complaint - virtually silent, no vibration, no leaks. I highly recommend them - I built a "tree" off the pump to run multiple devices - feed the skimmer, chiller, CA reactor, and returns to the tank - all have ball valves and check valves - no leaks. you can adjust the flow from the pump indefinitely without harm to the pump. Very little energy usage - 1.2 amps. Excellent customer service! make sure you get the "Marine" seal (they make a fresh water version). I have a second one on a OM 4 way too.
Amoore311
New member
I run a manifold, so I definitely wanted to go external.
The quietest pumps are the Velocity/Poseidon Pumps, they have been called a couple different names. I've got the Poseidon PS4 on my 180 Gallon Tank. You have to touch the thing to make sure it's running... that's how quiet it it.
On the down side, it is quiet because it is water cooled. So it does add some heat to the tank. My tank is in a finished basement though, so I have no problems with temperatures down there.
The quietest pumps are the Velocity/Poseidon Pumps, they have been called a couple different names. I've got the Poseidon PS4 on my 180 Gallon Tank. You have to touch the thing to make sure it's running... that's how quiet it it.
On the down side, it is quiet because it is water cooled. So it does add some heat to the tank. My tank is in a finished basement though, so I have no problems with temperatures down there.
Ive used externals for 25 years. I have NEVER had a leak beyond a very tiny drip when first run requring tightening a threaded fitting or re-wrapping with telfon tape. I used mainly Little Giant pumps for year and more recently Reeflo and PanWorld/Blueline. Never, in 25 years have I had a seal leak.
I prefer externals for many reasons (some are opinion based) ... heat, flow, pressure ratings, general durability, stray voltage, plumbing, etc ...
I prefer externals for many reasons (some are opinion based) ... heat, flow, pressure ratings, general durability, stray voltage, plumbing, etc ...
Chris Witort
New member
An external pump is a fine choice where you need lots of flow, high head, or need a manifold, but for a low flow return where a small heat addition to the system isn't a concern i like in sump. By the way I also have one of the velocity T4s and it's a very powerful and quiet pump, it does get so hot you can nearly burn your hand on it, and it tends to get allot of calcium buildup inside do to the high heat.
