submersable or external pump???

[BIG L A]

I currently have a Mag 12 as my return pump on my 120G and was thinking about getting a Mag 18, which has made me also consider getting an external pump... Ive just been a lil nervous about the external springing a leak or something even though Ive seen it used on a few set-ups with success...
So the question is should I stay in-sump (Mag 18) or should I go external and if so which one do you guys recommend...

 

[gholtmeyer]

I like you, am afraid of the leaking. Murphy kicks my butt on a reg. basis. So, when I can, I error on the side of safety. The draw back to the Mags in sump is the heat that they put off. I have a Mag 36 as a return pump -but then again, its returning water from my sump that is in the basement to my display to main floor.

I installed a Hammer Head pump on a buddy of mine's tank. This thing was silent. I don't mean sort of quite, I mean you can't hear the thing.

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Sup Big LA.. Funny you say that because I as well am considering the same on my 120. Always a few things to consider... with the pros and cons like you mentioned. Leaks, vs no leaks... no heat build up vs add a heater. Chiller for the summer or perhaps no chiller because your running externally. Quiter with the mag or a little more noisy with the external. Sometimes things are better off left alone. Just my .02 cents. Will follow along on this thread to help me decide aswell. Good Luck & Happy Reefing.

 

[BIG L A]

sometimes I think the samething ozone...

Sometimes things are better off left alone.

But Im only thinking about the change now because Im making a stand, and changing my sump... I figure if Im going to change might as well do it now...

 

[cmor1701d]

I've got a Blueliine 40HD sitting on a thin isolation pad that is close to noisless. Just a quiet jum when the doors are open. Otherwise it's silent. Easy to remove and clean (annually).

 

[Wolverine57]

I have used 2 external pumps on a previous setup, a little giant and the Gen-x one for the return and one for my MRC2 skimmer, put a mouse pad underneath, no noise, and knock on wood no leaks.

 

[KathyC]

Why do you want such a large return pump? Mag 18, yikes, I use one of those on my 2,000 Koi pond.

If you want more flow in your tank, better to confine it to the DT and upgrade your powerheads, way less energy use than running a Mag18 24/7 and you will evaporate WAY less water too.

 

[artie1209]

I agree with KathyC I currently run a Mag 9 on my 120 with a scud and eductors and run internal Korella's 4's for more circulation.
I have run external Iwaki pumps for over ten years on different setups with no problems. All hard piped with unions and control valves.

 

[Tim]

Upgrading to a larger pump is not going to give you more flow. The fact still remains that you are only going to get 600 gallons draining out of each overflow. If you go bigger you will have to put a ball valve on the return side of the pump to mach the amount of water draining into the sump(1200 gal. for 2 overflows).I always say if it ain`t broke don`t try and fix it.....

 

[BIG L A]

Why do you want such a large return pump? Mag 18, yikes, I use one of those on my 2,000 Koi pond.

If you want more flow in your tank, better to confine it to the DT and upgrade your powerheads, way less energy use than running a Mag18 24/7 and you will evaporate WAY less water too.

Hey Kat...
The Mag 18 isnt going to happen anymore, and you hit it on the head I just bought a couple of vortechs... But it still leave me with the question... Do I leave the Mag 12 and build my new sump with it or since Im building do I get a couple of holes drilled and go external...

 

[BIG L A]

Thanks for the advice everyone... Another reason for thinking about the upgrade is because I was thinking about adding a frag tank...
So Im just doing mt homework before I pull the trigger... This is why I can use all the advice I can get...

 

[cmor1701d]

Drill the holes and go external. No added heat, super quiet. JMO.

 

[BIG L A]

Drill the holes and go external. No added heat, super quiet. JMO.

Can you recommend any that will work well in a 120G......