Older return pump

[Cflip]

Does the mag 5 pump lose power over time? Mine is over 5 years old thinking about replacing it. It's on a 58 gallon tank with a four foot overhead.

 

[mcarroll]

No, but the impeller is the only wearable part. Replace that (it's cheap) before you replace the pump, IMO.

What makes you suspect that's happening?

Use a bucket or something to measure the actual output from the return or from the drain to see what you're getting.

 

[Cflip]

I feel like there isn't enough flow from my return pump. Even when it was new. I'm guessing around 350 gallons per hour.

 

[Mnk9569]

I'd go with a mag 9.5 that would be plenty

 

[Cflip]

I'd go with a mag 9.5 that would be plenty

Yeah that would blow the sand out of my tank- lol.

 

[Mnk9569]

I run one on a tank similar I just gate valved it a fine tuned put locline diffuser to make it less violence

 

[mcarroll]

58 gallons of display would call for anywhere between 120 GPH and 240 GPH, so it really should be fine.

What size plumbing? Is the plumbing simple or complicated?

The Model 5 is rated for about 250 GPH at 5' of head, so it really should be fine. Perfect, in fact. :)

http://www.dannermfg.com/Store/images/instructions/ZG120.pdf

More flow than that actually tends to be more bother and expense than it's worth anyway. It is much better for flow in the display to come from powerheads.

 

[Mnk9569]

No problem it was just suggestion I have mine ran with 1 inch pvc splits to each side then a y coming out locline and 2 thin deflectors to disperse it on both side the diffuser really cuts it down I just had a 9.5 so I built around that but I'm sure you can replace 14 dollar impellar and your pump should be great again I just replace a impellar on a mag 12 it was like new again the magnet had some chips that were making noise marine depot got it for 14.95 free shipping