Pump reccomendation

[CKreef]

What kind of internal pump should i use on my 90? I am currently using an ocean runner 3500. I want to upgrade to a bigger internal pump. Any ideas? Thanks Chris

 

[SnoopTroop]

I am using a mag drive 12 (1200 gph)

 

[Esabasard]

I've got a mag 9.5 on my 75 and it is more than enough for me.

 

[crumbletop]

How much flow do you want? Is this a standard RR 90 with a single overflow? If so, you'll have trouble pushing more flow than the current pump you have. Remember, whatever you push up to the display has to drain down just as fast to the sump. A bigger pump will also add more heat to the tank. Have you thought about a closed loop to get additional flow (if you don't want to use powerheads)?

 

[CKreef]

I have a standard 90 rr with the outlet split into two outlets.

 

[crumbletop]

I don't think you can safely push more flow through the return than you are already. The megaflow can't handle it. The return pipe would do just fine, it is the drain through the slots of the overflow that limits things. You've already got 3 hydor powerheads -- can you upsize those at all? Maybe add a fourth?

 

[SnoopTroop]

You could also do what I did with mine, just leave the 2 drilled holes in the RR empty(dont put the return pipe and drain pipe in) and plumb the drain pipes and the return pipes. But make sure you keep the bulkheads.

 

[SnoopTroop]

Heres what mine looks like. Its basically just 2 drains to allow for a bigger return pump.

 

[crumbletop]

I think with head, the OR3500 pushes out just about the same flow as the Mag12 (I think around 150 gph less) but with only about 1/2 the watts. At 4' of head, the Mag puts out about 900 gph, which is just about the upper limit for the slotted overflow. Adding more flow via the return pump won't be practical, IMO, and may actually put the tank close to conditions it could overflow the display. We're talking about the possibility of only a couple hundred GPH max for ~50 watts + increased risk. Not to mention the extra noise. The OR3500 is silent in comparison to a Mag. I'd go with an extra powerhead or put in an over the back closed loop.

 

[SnoopTroop]

It depends whhich overflow they have either the corner or 3 sided "mega" overflow which is said to have 600 gph, so if both bulkheads are draining at one of 1 inch and the other at 3/4 inch it should be capable of 1100 gph overflow. With this said you have to make sure to punch out the pipe housing on the very top of the overflow box to gain more overflow without flooding the MT (make sure you have a bit of eggcrate to cover the hole if you have little fish). I agree with Crumbletop on the noise and lower watts(thats always a plus st the end of the month), its quite a bit noisy but with LR in the overflow box its not that bad. Its just some DIY work that could possibly save some $$$ as the closed loops can get pretty pricey with the inline pumps. Hehe also I know most reefers are tinkers so fidling with stuff isnt only fun but could save some cash for more SPS!! LOL. But I guess its really the location and tolerance of the person who looks at the tank really( mine being down in the basement, the sound doesnt bother me as it would if in a living room).
Josh