Submersible Pump Heat Distribution

[knowcrap]

I recently heard that the MAG pumps are notorious for heat distribution - I am now using a MAG 12 for a return and am curious about the validity of heat distribution and maybe some suggestions on alternate pump choices…how I got to this point:

My current tank was purchased used and I modified it with less experience than I have now so first and foremost I would like to note that I am not going to be doing any radical changes to the overflow/return setup…saving that for a new tank in the future.

I started with the Dolphin submersible pumps, the DP-1200, as my returns. These have a 3/4” outlet and my two returns are therefore plumbed with 3/4” PVC. I recently lost one and broke my spare (DOH!) so to get a quick-fix in place I bought a MAG 12 as it is also 3/4” (MPT vs. FPT though) and fight right in with only minor modification to the plumbing.

At this point I am thinking about buying two more MAG 12 pumps (one to replace the other DP-1200 and a spare) but I am now wondering if there might be a better submersible pump option out there. Ehime are out as their 900GPH pump is not strong enough to maintain the flow rate I need, external is out as we don’t have the room for it right now and only 3/4” outlets can be considered so I can maintain my existing return plumbing.

 

[lpsluver]

Look into Ocean Runner Pumps. They have a lower heat output. They have a bigger footprint though, so keep that in mind if placing in a skimmer.

 

[scarter]

I would go for ehiem,

btw, why would you need more than 1800 gal going through your sump?


if ecternal is not an option you could mount the pump just above the water line with a pvc stand and have it suck water up from two inches below the water, this would cut flow a little and make the pump run harder, but it would keep the heat out of the water

 

[miwoodar]

I try to use external pumps whenever possible. I would be surprised if there was a signifiant difference in heat production between submersible pumps of comparable size.

 

[knowcrap]

miwoodar - this was as I suspected since the pumps are comparable in size and effectively run at about the same wattage rating. I have recently removed 2 Seio M2600's from my tank and I think this will help...not that I really have a heat problem.

scarter - not needing 1800GPH, do note that there is flow rate loss due to head loss...going up about 5 feet and through a few bends (a couple of 45's and a couple of 90's at least)...the two DP-1200's managed the overflow/return correctly.

Still interested in alternates...next time will be external pumps, I PROMISE!!!

 

[scarter]

I do believe there is a significant difference, when I switched from mags to the eheims I used to have there was a major difference,(4 deg drop) I then went with some external gen x pumps that were to noisy for me, now I run two ehiem 1262 externally. quiet as can be with no heat