Getting new power pumps-question

[ericdi2]

I am just about to order some new circulation pumps for my 50 gallon uniquarium. I am replacing my old rio pumps which only work on certain days, despite being cleaned frequently. My question is, I want to purchase 2 mag-drive about 300 gph. Would this be too powerful? Should I stick to the 200 gph?

-50 gallons uniquarium
-45 pounds live rock
-yellow tang (2.5 inches)
-dottyback
-lawnmower blennie
-maroon clownfish
-bubbletip anenome
-one xenia frag
Thanks, I am waiting for replies befor I click the "order" button!!

 

[ericdi2]

Come on, anyone, I'm anxious to order my new pumps, I need advice!

 

[NoriMuncher]

This may not quite be what you're asking, but Maxi-Jets seem to have an unmatched reputation for in-tank power heads. I recently had to switch to them because nothing else works with a wavemaker without making a lot of noise. I think their bigger one pumps around 300 gph. But I think you want more circulation - Hagen makes reliable and powerfull pumps. Maybe someone else can way in, I think the gph you need will be determined by what your xenia likes (though lr should have some flow, too).

 

[bigtank]

I think 2 MJ 1200s would be good. These are 295 gph apiece, and cost a little less than half what a Mag 350 costs. I use and love both, but the Mag is my skimmer pump. IMO it would be too powerful for circulation unless you used a spray-bar or something to split up the flow.

 

[ericdi2]

I just looked online at the maxi-jets, they seem to have a bracket to hang on the side of the tank. Mine is acrylic, so I can't really hang anything since the ridge is so wide. Do they also come with succion cups?

 

[NoriMuncher]

Yep, you can use cups or brackets. The cups are bigger than most, so they fix tight and last long.

 

[ericdi2]

One more question, if I decide to replace my Rio 600 that is working my skimmer, can I get a mag-drive 350? Do they come with the venturi attachment or do I need to buy something seperate?

 

[JohnD]

eric -

I have both Hagen and Maxijet powerheads. The Hagens are old and noisy. Over the past couple of months, I have been rotating out the Hagens. The maxijets are smaller.

In my one 30 gallon I have 2 MJ 1200s and 1 MJ 900. In my other I have 1 MJ 1200, 1 MJ 900 and 1 Hagen AquaClear 802. IMHO I have some pretty good water movement.

Yes, the maxijets have suction cups.

What skimmer are you running? A Bakpak? I have one each in my two 30 gallon tanks. Consider a maxijet 900 with venturi adapter from Premium Aquatics. One is hooked up to a Bakpak. The other still has a Rio 800 in it.

My advice is go with some Maxijets. You will be happy you did.

 

[davelin315]

Are they serving as return pumps or just circulation pumps? If you are concerned about mounting the pumps, you could always drill a hole in your acrylic to accomodate one larger pump and allow the returns to serve as circulation. What I was thinking was you could buy one large pump, T it 3 times, one to your skimmer, and 2 to your tank. You could drill small holes in the top of your tank, and put piping in through those holes. You wouldn't have to worry about space in your tank, and you wouldn't have to worry about powerheads and suction cups. You would also get down to 1 plug, versus the 3 or 4 you are looking at now. You could also just put a spray bar in for your return. Just a suggestion from someone who loves to drill holes in things and put fancy piping into everything.