Is a Mag 7 pump sufficient to serve as a return on a 75 gal

[miktrav2]

Hello,

I'm purchasing a 75 gallon tank and was wondering if a mag 7 was a decent return pump. The tank is drilled for a closed loop but I won't be using it until more cash becomes available for the extra equipment. Will the Mag 7 and a few powerheads be sufficient?

Mike

 

[Anonymous]

I run mine (75G) on a Mag 9.5 and alternate it with a QuiteOne pump. They have similar GPH ratings. When it comes time to clean my pump, i just swap it out with the other one so that I can soak all of the pieces in vinegar for a few days. Then I have a clean pump ready for the next the pumps get jammed. Swap-out takes about 20 minutes.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Its definitely a decent pump, altho you will have to rely on your loop and powerheads for any current in the tank. If you can go a bit bigger like a mag9 it would be better, but the above would still be true.

 

[miktrav2]

Thanks for the info.

Mike

 

[ReefVan]

miktrav2,

I've got a Mag 9.5 as a return on my 66 reef and plan on soon adding a couple of my DIY RRU's on another Mag 9.5.

You can never have too much flow and in the case you feel it's too strong, you can bleed off the excess into the sump. :wink:

Van 8)

 

[miktrav2]

ReefVan,

What's an RRU?

Mike

 

[ReefVan]

miktrav2,

RRU (Rotating Return Unit) - See new post in the DIY forum.

Van 8)

 

[madrefkepr]

At 4' head, mag 7 is rated at about 480gph, mag 9.5 about 820. For the little extra cash, I would go with the mag 9.5.

 

[miktrav2]

I was going for the mag 7 because I was getting it as part of a used system deal but I'll drop it and go for the 9.5 as you guys suggest. By the way what pump would you recommend for a closed loop? I have an Iwaki WMD-40RLT available to me. Is that good for a closed loop or should I use the mag 7 for this and get the Iwaki for the return?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[bowfront]

I have Mags 7, 9.5, and 12 running in my 72g setup. Definitely go with a Mag 9.5 for return IMO.

 

[Will C1]

you could use the iwaki and the mag 7 and swap them for cleaning like louey does if you can get them both i would do it.