Sump Pump

[JeffBoyRD]

Has anyone ever tried or had experience with one of these pumps, a Pond Pump Calpump MAG DRIVE 3900 gph Waterfall pump. Someone is selling them on the bay for 99. Never heard of them before or saw any posts on them. Here is a picture of one:

 

[lpkenneys]

I guess in a pinch it might be ok, but at 3900gph thats a lot of water movement and probably not made for salt water? I think I would pass on it. Just my opinion though.

 

[stephenrsaiz]

I agree with LP. Its likely not made for saltwater usage.

 

[2turtles]

This is what you want for that type of flow

http://www.reeflopumps.com/flowbiasedpumps.html

 

[JeffBoyRD]

Thanks guys. Since I am a newbee, and I respect all of your opinions, can you help me with 2 other things you have brought up: Saltwater usage and flow rate. From the information I have gathered, I completely agree with you that these pumps are not designed for salt usage. Now the question, "What makes a pump salt water compatible?", for lack of better defining the question. Also, I am just searching around for ideas for my tank setup hopefully beginning this summer and will need a "better" return pump for the setup. It will be for a 150G. What flow rate do you guys recommend? The tank does have 2 built in overflows, if that helps. Thanks all for your input.

 

[khusson1]

Jeff, i have a 150 high and i use a magdrive 18. (1800 gph @ 0 head) and i have a head of about 5'. pretty adequate for me. plus i have 4 koralias in the tank. 2 modded k3s a stock k3 and a stock k2. hope that helps

 

[2turtles]

You have two lines of thought. Water movement in the tank and water movement from the sump to the tank. Generally water movement in the tank is done from power heads or recirculation pumps. This make for less water flow noise. Water going into the sump needs to be of less volume, which is less water noise from the water falling from the tank to the sump. If you turn the water over three or four times an hour from tank to sump with plenty of flow being produced in the tank from other sources IMO you should be good. For the size pump from sump to tank to need to consider head pressure and if you are going to bleed off water for other devices, (skimmer, reactors, etc) then find a pumps that suits. I have a Reeflo Hammerhead and love it. What make a pump saltwater compatible? Resistance to corrosive materials So the area that contacts the water need to be plastic, composite or ceramic.