Return Pump

[Bryckitall]

any thoughts on using a run-of-the-mill submersible clean water sump pump for a return from sump tank to DT.... just wondering since they are about 1/2 the price of the pumps sold at LFS and internet aquarium supply shops.
does the salt and mineral rich marine water have an adverse affect on them?
does the pump mangle or destroy beneficial pods going into DT?

 

[porksmash]

Do they have any metal parts exposed to the water? I could imagine a stainless shaft or something. Any sort of metal would be a dealbreaker for me.

 

[jeffesaurusrex]

I've seen pumps that say "freshwater only" in the description on a vendor site. In other words, there are pumps even for aquariums that are not suited for saltwater tanks.

You asked if saltwater might have a negative effect, and my answer would be yes. I left a battery powered air pump in my cabinet once and the battery got rusted to the prongs in it. Saltwater will rust any metal that isn't corrosion resistant much more quickly than freshwater will, and my guess is there are some rubber seals out there that aren't up to the quality standards required to hold up to saltwater. Hence the freshwater only pumps.