Return pump question

[Mclovings]

I currently have a little giant external pump that is rated at 1325gph @ 1ft head. I am looking to swap out my pump and sump with a bigger sump, and an internal Danner Mag Drive pump. The Mag Drive 18 pump and my little giant pump have the same GPH rating @ 1ft head. If I get the Mag Drive 24 which is rated at 1910gph @ 1ft, will that be too much flow for my tank or sump? My tank is a 5ft 100 gallon tank with one return on either side of the tank.

Any help is appreciated... thank you!

[fidel]

Mag 9.5 or Mag 12 perfect pump for 100 gal tank. Little giant & Mag 18 & Mag 24 to big.

[MustangBill]

or you can always put in an in line valve, that way if it is to much flow just close your valve a little until you get it where you want it.

[jblaze]

I think the answer depends on the size of your drain(s). If you pump faster than the drain can handle, you overflow.

[RussM]

The size of the tank has relatively little bearing on what return pump to get. The critical factors are how much flow the return lines and - more importantly - how much the overflow can handle.

Don't sell yourself short by looking only at Danner Mag-Drives. While they are oldies but goodies and very reliable, there other pumps out there that run cooler, more efficiently, are quieter, etc. The DC pumps have gotten better and more affordable. I'd look at the Speedwaves, Diablos, RLSS WAVELINE series and such, besides standard AC-powered pumps like the Sicce, Tunze SILENCE, and Eheim models.

[unbereefable]

I'd ditch the mag and get a dc pump. Use MUCH less power and adjustable flow. Reef octopus dc 10500. Like 2700gph max flow and uses 85 watts. The mag 24 had to use at least 200 watts. You can even check out the jebao dc return pumps. Like half the price of the reef octopus, but no proven reliability yet. But then again the reef octopus pumps arent proven yet either. But I bet you'll have an easier time handling a warranty issue with RO Vs. jebao.

[fidel]

I have Mag 12 if u want to buy.

[davocean]

I usually stick w/ about 5x turnover for returns, which most overflows should easily accomidate, and I prefer quiet, cool, efficient, so I stick w/ eheims.
A 1260-1262 would be what I would go with, tunze is right there as well.

[Mclovings]

I do want to check out DC pumps for sure... Does any else have any experience with these?

I want the flow approx 5 times the tank size at the top of the head? Or no head at all?

[davocean]

That mark should be hit after head pressure loss.

[RussM]

I usually stick w/ about 5x turnover for returns, which most overflows should easily accomidate, and I prefer quiet, cool, efficient, so I stick w/ eheims.

Great point, Dave. In my earlier post, I was thinking of the OPs stated desire to go with a bigger pumps.

[Bogg]

Times are changing

[h20poloman]

and some awesome dude has a brand new in box Diablo 10500 DC pump for $30 off the retail price right now.
http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showth...eed-Water-Pump

[seabass1]

The Diablo pumps seem to be getting good remarks. One guy that bought a new one had a problem with a cracked housing or mount, returned it & RO sent out a new one. One of the guys at AW had bought a ReeFlo Blowhole. He said they are super-super quiet but HOT to the touch. So he bought it back to the store & traded it out for one of the Diablos. I've dealt with ReeFlo before & their customer service is exceptional too. The Blowholes are d/c as well.

I think I'll try a couple of the diablos when I get my 120 up & running.

seabass1

[ReefMaster]

I run a speedwave/waveline 10000, cool, quiet, and strong. If I were to start over I would look at a Jebo 12000 just costs less.