Upgrading a return pump in an AIO question.. Biocube 32

  • Thread starter Thread starter tdubs
  • Start date Start date
  • Tagged users Tagged users None

tdubs

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 22, 2025
Messages
60
Reaction score
48
Location
USA
What state or country do you live in
Ohio
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
So, I upgraded my return pump to a similar output DC pump by Hygger. I love the pump, it is completely silent now. I am swapping out the return head for a dual nozzle design with the intent of having one head used to break surface tension and the other to provide flow.. Now I would also like to upgrade the pump to the next sized Hygger which is 660gph, almost twice the output of the factory pump-

My question- will the return chambers be able to keep up with the demand of the pump or I am going to cause too many issues by doing this? I have heard of people sawing off some of the grill intake pieces to compensate for the increased demand.. I really don't want to physically modify the tank.

Thanks!

Cross posted this in hopes of getting an answer from you smart guys
 
I'd just go for it and see how the overflow handles it, might be just fine! If needed, you can open up the overflow by removing weir teeth as needed. By the way, great choice with Hygger, I love their products and use them myself. Feel free to use discount code TX_REEF for 10% off your order at https://www.hygger-online.com/shop/ 🙂
 
I'd just go for it and see how the overflow handles it, might be just fine! If needed, you can open up the overflow by removing weir teeth as needed. By the way, great choice with Hygger, I love their products and use them myself. Feel free to use discount code TX_REEF for 10% off your order at https://www.hygger-online.com/shop/ 🙂
Thanks for the reply, yeah or I guess I could dial it down to keep the chambers full I need to.

Thanks for the referral!
 
I believe you'll be fine to upgrade your pump. The only thing is if you have too much filter floss or similar that may impede flow through the system once filled with detritus.

I am running two IM Mighty Jet 326 gph pumps in my 25 gallon AIO; no problems with flow.

Good luck!
 
How did you get it from 3/4 to 1/2? Or did you drill and replace the connector that goes from chamber 3 to the display?
 
How did you get it from 3/4 to 1/2? Or did you drill and replace the connector that goes from chamber 3 to the display?
I'm not sure if this question is for me, but there are reducers and different fittings to help. Can you help us better understand what your question is? Are you trying to attach the pump to the output of the tank?
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

IF EVERY OPTION HELD ROUGHLY THE SAME NUMBER OF GALLONS, WHICH TANK SHAPE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

  • Traditional rectangular

    Votes: 25 29.4%
  • Long and shallow

    Votes: 9 10.6%
  • Cube

    Votes: 8 9.4%
  • Peninsula

    Votes: 19 22.4%
  • Lagoon or extra-wide

    Votes: 13 15.3%
  • Tall display

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Dropoff

    Votes: 7 8.2%
  • Bowfront

    Votes: 1 1.2%
  • Hexagon

    Votes: 1 1.2%
  • Cylinder

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Fishbowl

    Votes: 1 1.2%
  • Something else (describe it in the comments)

    Votes: 1 1.2%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new