New return pump suggestions

[flyguy]

I'm looking to upgrade my return pump & plumbing on my 55gal. Currently have a mag 5 and 20gal sump. The mag5 isn't much of a turnover for my current setup. Looking at either the Mag 9.5 ($65) or the Little Giant 3-MDQX-SC ($105). Are these overkill for a 55gal? I know the Little Giant is rated at 875gph @ 6' head. Plan at least 4' pump height plus elbows in the plumbing.

 

[smokin reefer]

Flyguy, I currenlty have a mag12 in my 75gal. tank with a 30g sump. It is by no means overkill. I believe the mag9 should be about right for your set up. I like the mag because you just drop it in. Isn't the little giant a external pump only? Excuse me if I am wrong.

 

[Mac1]

I ran an Eheim 1050 for the return when I had my 55 - worked great. Little bit more kick than the Rio 2500HP it replaced, and it wasn't a Rio. Still using it on my 1" Sea Swirl on my 90 now. Fully submersible, never given me a problem - been about 3 years now.

- Mac

 

[flyguy]

Are little giant pumps loud because of the fan? or is it just like a computer fan? The tank is in the basement, so noise isn't a huge concern- but I will upgrade the tank size eventually down the road and maybe a new location.

 

[davelin315]

The mag drive can be run in line or submersible. Little Giant pumps are all in line (they make some freshwater pumps that are submersible). The biggest difference is heat transfer. LGs have a fan to disperse the heat, while the Mags all use the water to cool the pump. Since I believe you can never have too strong a pump (you can always tee it off to various other devices, or just reduce the flow), I would go with the LG. In a 55, the heat transfer from a larger submersible pump will have more of an impact on your tank temperature versus if you had a 200 (although, you'd probably go with a bigger pump). In line, IMO is better, but I use both in line and submersible (I am currently using a mag drive 1200 (?), a LG 4MD something or other, and a Dolphin Ampmaster 3000. There's also a difference in noise, as the fan will create a humming noise that won't be present in your mag drive pump.

 

[davelin315]

The fan will make a whirring sound, louder than a computer, but not as loud as a normal fan. It is designed to dissipate the air around the impeller and therefore carry heat away from the parts touching water, not to blow air at you. Also, as time goes on, it will get noisier, but that will be fixed by a drop or two of oil. As far as noise is concerned, you will probably get as much noise from the water splashing as you will from your pump if it is in a stand. Go with the biggest pump you can afford is my opinion, be it a LG or a MD, they're both reputable and I have had good experiences with them.