What size for Return Pump?

[Stray32]

What size Mag pump would you recommend for a return from a 15 gallon sump to a 75 gallon tank?

I was told that I could use a Mag 18 to run both my ev-180 protein skimmer and as a return pump, but I was also told that a Mag 18 is too big for a 75 gallon tank.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again!!

 

[an411]

I think that its a little big for that size tank. Also take into consideration that my personal opinion on mags is they are noisey and they consume a decent amount of energy. I would really advice checking another brand pump that is going to save money in the longrun be much quieter and produce less heat. The only disadvantage to other pumps is the upfront cost. Well worth it in the end when you dont have to blast the tv to hear it.

 

[Stray32]

Thanks for the advice. If not a Mag pump, what type would you recommend for this setup?

 

[an411]

I had a mag 18 and I switched to a ehiem 1262. That thing is so quiet I can barely hear it I think that the water aggitation on the surface of my tank is louder then the water. Look on dr foster for the electric comparison on how much it cost per month for each pump. You will make the difference on the ehiem in a few months.

 

[EvMiBo]

Eheims are really nice and very quiet, but are also up there on the price (worth it if you're willing to spend it).. Look into Ocean Runners though, either a 2500, 2700, or 3500 depending on how much flow you want in your 75. They're nearly half the price of eheims and still run really quiet and are reliable as well. good luck.

 

[crvz]

Agreed on the eheim, they're awesome. I've run the 1262 and mag 18, and if given the choice it would be the 1262 in every situation.

Also, I'd want to have control to turn the skimmer off independent of the return flow, so I'd recommend 2 pumps in your situation.

 

[sjm817]

15G sump is very small. I wouldn't run much flow through it. If you like the Eheims, I would use a 1250. Even a 1260 would be too much and need to be throttled back.

 

[woodiecrafts]

i have a 30 gal sump on one of my 75's and run a "quite one 3000" for the return and it works fine. i split it with a tee and ball valve and deplace the extra flow back through the refugium.

 

[jdckbr]

I also run quiet one pumps one 4000 for the return and a 3000 for the rdsb fuge aside for the hum they work fine I also run a mag 12 for closed loop and have to check it to see if its running absolutely quiet