Think I need to upgrade my return pump.

[sheac12]

So after using a mag 7 as my return for the past 4 months, last month I plumbed in a refugium when I rebuilt/replaced my sump. Currently my mag 7 is plumbed with 3/4" pvc with a tee that has 1/2" to a ball value for the refugium. If i open up the ball value into the refugium so I have adequate flow, the flow into the main tank seems to go way down(as would be expected). I am wondering if I could get a suggestion on a new pump? I was thinking about either a mag 12.5 or a iwaki md55rlt. I know the iwaki is external but I am willing to drill my sump if it is worth the upgrade to the md55rlt. Also I am only considering the iwaki because some one is basically giving the thing away.

[tygger]

Instead of buying a new pump, is it possible to re-plumb your system? Instead of tee-ing off from your return pump, you could tee your drain line and control the flow with ball valves. Just a suggestion...

[Brian Ward]

splitting the drain to feed the fuge is a good idea. another way to replumb (unless this is what you already did) is to use a 3/4" Tee, add a 3/4x1/2 reducing bushing on the half going to the fuge - that will probably create better flow to the tank. have you cleaned your mag 7 recently? soak in white vinegar overnight and reassemble. impeller replacement is common as well since snails can get in there and break the splines. that will kill your flow.

 

as far as pumps, ive never been enamored with the mags, i only use them for mixing and moving water around, i have sequence pumps on my tanks. i think the iwaki is a good pump and you'll probably be happier in the long run. you do need to be vigilant when buying a used pump though - electric motors will wear, require rebuilding, and impellers frequently need replacing with any used pump. since the iwaki is external it probably uses a standard electric motor vice the magnetic drive submersible pumps use.

[sheac12]

splitting the drain to feed the fuge is a good idea. another way to replumb (unless this is what you already did) is to use a 3/4" Tee, add a 3/4x1/2 reducing bushing on the half going to the fuge - that will probably create better flow to the tank. have you cleaned your mag 7 recently? soak in white vinegar overnight and reassemble. impeller replacement is common as well since snails can get in there and break the splines. that will kill your flow.

 

as far as pumps, ive never been enamored with the mags, i only use them for mixing and moving water around, i have sequence pumps on my tanks. i think the iwaki is a good pump and you'll probably be happier in the long run. you do need to be vigilant when buying a used pump though - electric motors will wear, require rebuilding, and impellers frequently need replacing with any used pump. since the iwaki is external it probably uses a standard electric motor vice the magnetic drive submersible pumps use.

 

 

The gent says he bought it 12 yrs ago and used it for 18 months. Does that seem odd? I was thinking about replumbing the fug and using water that comes directly from the drain. That might be my best option and would allow meto keep the current pump.

[sheac12]

splitting the drain to feed the fuge is a good idea. another way to replumb (unless this is what you already did) is to use a 3/4" Tee, add a 3/4x1/2 reducing bushing on the half going to the fuge - that will probably create better flow to the tank. have you cleaned your mag 7 recently? soak in white vinegar overnight and reassemble. impeller replacement is common as well since snails can get in there and break the splines. that will kill your flow.

 

as far as pumps, ive never been enamored with the mags, i only use them for mixing and moving water around, i have sequence pumps on my tanks. i think the iwaki is a good pump and you'll probably be happier in the long run. you do need to be vigilant when buying a used pump though - electric motors will wear, require rebuilding, and impellers frequently need replacing with any used pump. since the iwaki is external it probably uses a standard electric motor vice the magnetic drive submersible pumps use.

 

 

I went ahead and replumbed the fuge to pull water from the drain from the main tank. The drain is 1.25" and the return is 3/4" (connected to the mag 7 using a 1/2" to 3/4" expander). The flow is now terrible going to in the fuge. I am using a 1.25" Tee to a 3/4" reducer to a 1/2" reducer(couldn't find a 1.25" to .5" reducer at Lowes) into 1/2" piping into the fuge.

 

I have a 3/4" drain option for my tank, but I always thought it was better to use the larger drain. Would it be better to use the same size as the return?

[sheac12]

I went ahead and replumbed the fuge to pull water from the drain from the main tank. The drain is 1.25" and the return is 3/4" (connected to the mag 7 using a 1/2" to 3/4" expander). The flow is now terrible going to in the fuge. I am using a 1.25" Tee to a 3/4" reducer to a 1/2" reducer(couldn't find a 1.25" to .5" reducer at Lowes) into 1/2" piping into the fuge.

 

I have a 3/4" drain option for my tank, but I always thought it was better to use the larger drain. Would it be better to use the same size as the return?

 

Well since that didnt work for me, I am now going to use a maxijet 1200 connected to 1/2" pipe to pull water from the drain section of the sump and into the fuge. Thanks everybody for your help!

[Larry Grenier]

Well since that didnt work for me, I am now going to use a maxijet 1200 connected to 1/2" pipe to pull water from the drain section of the sump and into the fuge. Thanks everybody for your help!

 

Yep, that's my method, just enough flow. Just reem-out the 1/2" PVC a little and it fits over the output of the MJ.