Pump Recommendations

[Rudy]

Hello All,

I am looking for some recommendations regarding pumps. I need two (2). One for my sump return and one for my closed loop. The tank size is 125 gal sump is ~ 30 gals.

I would like the flow rate to be at least 1300 GPH for the sump and the closed loop I am not quite sure how much is ideal. I am figuring about 1/2 the GPH for the sump return, but this is admittedly a guess.

The qualities I am looking for in these pumps are the norm; quiet, efficient, etc. Lastly, I would prefer the sump pump to be external if possible, but am willing to compromise for the right pump.

Looking forward to people's thoughts. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations with specific pumps named if possible. I am looking to make the purchase within the next 2-3 weeks.

[gbolton]

I like the Iwaki pumps for external use personally. Take a look at them if you want to consider internal supreme mag drives work great also and are really quite. I have an Ilwaki returning from my sump and a MAG driving my skimmer in the sump. Both work great and have not noticed a heat problem from either.

[OrionGirl]

I've been happy with the mag drives. They are quiet, haven't had problems with them breaking, and the impeller have needed replacing only once in several years. They are easy to clean and replacing the impeller is easy as well.

[Rudy]

Do your recommendations (mag drives) apply to both the sump as well as the closed loop?

[OrionGirl]

Yes--they come in a wide variety of sizes. I use 2 as returns, and one on a skimmer. And one in the mixing tank. :) Just ordered more for the new tanks--will have 2 in each 120 for the returns.

[Cearbhaill]

I've got a Mag on my sump and a Velocity T-3 running my closed loop- both are exactly what I wanted. I chose the Mag for durability and the Velocity for silence and have not been disappointed in either.

[Rudy]

Cearbhaill,

Sounds good. I'll have to look into the flow rates, etc, but seems right on.

[Rudy]

Can I get away with using an internal sump pump. I plan to use VHO flourescent lighting and live in the Northeast, specifically souther NH. Will the heat displaced into the water be to much given my variables?

Thoughts?