Internal Return Pumps

[Braves Fan]

I will be putting together a 220g tank and was planning on an external return pump for the display tank and to feed the reactors. After doing a bit of checking, I have found out that these type pumps, no matter what brand, tend to have seal problems on a regular basics, So I am now thinking on using a internal pump for this. Any recommendations for a brand and pump size. The tank will be around 220g and the sump will have around 60g in it. I had my mind pretty much made up on the size and brand of external pump to use on the new tank, this seal problem has thrown a monkey wrench into my plans. I haven't done any research on internal pumps, so I need a bit of help here.

 

[swannyson7]

The most popular seem to be Mag drive pumps, and for that application I'd say that a Mag18 or Mag 24 would be appropriate. If you plan on keeping SPS, I'd go for the 24 for the sake of flow, but an 18 would probably be enough for proper filtration.

 

[Braves Fan]

This will be an SPS tank

 

[Braves Fan]

Mag Drive is that the brand name?

 

[swannyson7]

I believe they're "Danner" Mag drive pumps. They are extremely popular and you should be able to find them on almost any site that sells drygoods or at the LFS. They are easy to find replacement parts for which makes them good for the long haul. You can always buy a replacement shaft or impeller if you need it.

 

[Captain Nemo]

+1 on the Mag drive pumps! they work like a charm. i would go with the 24, since it will have SPS in it. The 18 would do the job but a little more money and a lot more flow for a 24. just MO on this though.

 

[swannyson7]

+1 on the Mag drive pumps! they work like a charm. i would go with the 24, since it will have SPS in it. The 18 would do the job but a little more money and a lot more flow for a 24. just MO on this though.

If you decide that you need more flow later on, the 24 can also be upgraded to a 36 as your SPS grows in and blocks the flow in your tank. It uses the same motor, so you would just need to replace the impeller assembly.

 

[Captain Nemo]

that settles it you need to go with the Mag drive 24! IMO this is the best and most cost effective route.

 

[Paul_N]

I am going to use one of these on my 220. I am going with the 4200 and then throttle back if need be. 4200gph, 160w. It has twice the flow and half the wattage of a Mag 24...win win for you..:bigsmile:

Welcome to Laguna - Max-Flo Solids Handling Waterfall & Filter Pumps

The 2400 only uses 100 watts.

I have found 4200 online for $236.

Also these are the pumps they originally modded to make the Red Dragons.

 

[Braves Fan]

Sounds like my best choice would be a Mag 24 :wink: Now for the second part of the question: I plan on running a GFO and carbon reactor, I calcium Reactor and maybe down the road some type of Nitrate reactor. I will be using a manifold for this. Should I plan on another Mag 24 for the manifold or a smaller pump or whill the Mag 24 that feeds the return be strong enough to be split and feed the manifold also.

 

[swannyson7]

My buddy Gar732 just bought a Laguna pump and removed the cover on it, but he hasn't set up his sump to see it in action yet. He was telling me that they are the same pump as another well known return pump made for aquarium applications, but I can't remember which brand. Do you know off hand Paul?

 

[swannyson7]

Sounds like my best choice would be a Mag 24 :wink: Now for the second part of the question: I plan on running a GFO and carbon reactor, I calcium Reactor and maybe down the road some type of Nitrate reactor. I will be using a manifold for this. Should I plan on another Mag 24 for the manifold or a smaller pump or whill the Mag 24 that feeds the return be strong enough to be split and feed the manifold also.

I would add a Tee off of the return line. I believe a mag 24 uses a 1" return (maybe 1.5") but you get a Tee that shoots off a 1/2" threaded opening. Then add a ball valve to restrict it along with a barbed connection to attach plastic hose and you should be all set. You can run the output from the first reactor into the input for the second reactor... Kind of daisy chaining them.

 

[Paul_N]

The mega $$$$ Red Dragons are just Lagunas wit a custom volute and impeller.

 

[tcfab]

I would go with a Laguna hands down. I have a 1500 and they are one of the most silent pumps I have ever heard. They are very well made as well. Mag Drives are nice but they consume a TON of power.

 

[Eddie Baby]

I would go with a Laguna hands down. I have a 1500 and they are one of the most silent pumps I have ever heard. They are very well made as well. Mag Drives are nice but they consume a TON of power.

Along with that power consumption comes the heat transmission. I would bet on at least 2 degrees added to your baseline temp.

 

[macawmagic]

if it makes you feel better. i've been running plenty of external pumps throughout the years and haven't had one leak! I wouldn't do an internal pump due to the heat!

 

[nixer]

i wouldnt waste your time and $ on a mag drive pump.
its just not worth getting a return pump that 1 adds heat to the tank and 2 helps fund the power company.
also they really are not that great of a pump.

 

[kellyjn]

What are you trying to accomplish with this sump pump? Will this be your only means of water movement in the tank?

Me, I prefer to have slower movement through the sump, so I'd go with a smaller pump and than do koralias or something in the tank for flow for the SPS.

FWIW, I've been running an external for a couple of years, no problems at all.

 

[jledon4]

in my opinion, having an internal pump will mean adding more heat to the tank and also it takes up space inside the sump. also if the pump has an electrical malfunction, this will leak electricity to the tank. another problem that i've seen is that the head pressure of this internal pumps is less than that of an external pump. i currently run a little giant 1300 gph and couldn't be happier with it, it supplies water to everything in my tank through a manifold.

 

[Troylee]

go with a laguna 2400 or 2900 it's a askoll the same thing as a air star or red dragon they rock right out of the box and have very low heat transfer and great flow.... i run all laguna's besides my vortecs on my tank....they can be found fairly cheap on sale at az ponds...;)