Return pump recommendation.

[Reefs]

I am working on a 40 gallon tank with 5 gallon refugium, the distance between the bottom of the refugium and the water level of the display tank is about 3 feet and a half.

any suggestion on submersible pump that is quite and fail safe, like if the water level drops in the refugium the pump shut off, or do I need a controller for that?

 

 

[FearTheTerps]

Eheim 1260, at 3 ft of head it should give about 600 gph. These are very good, reliable, quiet pumps. If space inside the sump is an issue they can also be ran as an external pump.

 

I think the guys at Avast once said they could make their ATO sensor work as a low level sensor, just have the wire the circuit in reverse. I dont really think many people use a low level switch tho.

[Reefs]

Eheim 1260, at 3 ft of head it should give about 600 gph. These are very good, reliable, quiet pumps. If space inside the sump is an issue they can also be ran as an external pump.

 

I think the guys at Avast once said they could make their ATO sensor work as a low level sensor, just have the wire the circuit in reverse. I dont really think many people use a low level switch tho.

So the Eheim 1260 pump can be used either way?

I will adjust the water level on both the display and the refugium so there will no over flow in case power goes off, but in case the drain get clogged the pump in the refugium will starve for water and I am trying to avoid that.

[hypertech]

It has no built in shut off. It will suck air and keep going. It's a reliable pump though. I use one and recommend it.

 

As far as drain clogging, you are looking for a pump solution to a plumbing problem. Add an emergency or second drain to the system.

Edited July 25, 2011 by hypertech

[Saltwaterworx]

How about a Mag 7? Attach a ball valve to it to dictate flow. a 5 MAY be ok too. It doesnt have auto shut off, but can be external as well. IME the only problem with the Mags Ive noticed is if properly maintained, they dont break down!

[Der ABT]

look into the new water blaster pumps from coralvue. im going to try one out on my new build, they come with a 3 yr warranty and dont yet have the reputation of the ehiem but they have a chip in them for auto shut off if they run to hot or dry.

 

Talk to Sean out at Fins and Feathers he has been using the buble blaster (same basic pump but for skimmers) and can also order the pumps for ya (least thats who im going thru)

 

not sure who else carries them yet but seems like everyone will most likely at some point.

[Reefs]

I will either get a water blaster or Eheim , I hope the water blaster is quite also.

Thank you all.