I just got a tank 400g with sump pump and lights dirt cheap. My question is the pump won't work so I am wondering if it can be redone. It has been sitting for 4 years and has been a saltwater tank for around 2 years before that. I believe it is just seized up. But my main question is this is a 3000g pump called a dynamo used for pools. Now eventhough it was a saltwater tank does anyone know if you can use pool pumps long term on a tank. They are fairly cheap so even if I had to rebuy one and replace one it isn't a big deal but I want to make sure it is safe. I plan on putting in all rare show size angels and I don't want it to suddenly blow up and kill thousands of dollars of fish. Any help is appreciated thanks.
Questions about pumps second hand tank
- Thread starter hannahsmom
- Start date
- Location
- Howell, NJ
ur not supposed to. they usually use oil in the pump and they will rust.. not good thing in a saltwater tank. they dont design pool pumps for use with saltwater.
Well that is what I thought but a friend told me you could if you change out internal parts to be suitable for salt and secondly and most importantly it was used for 2 years as a working salt system so I am just confused as what to do.
- Location
- Howell, NJ
def. buy a new pump. not worth the risk of losing all that money invested. not only that but killing all that livestock would suck. 
Yeah I got some pretty rare angels coming but since it was already on the tank and had all the plumbing I was just hating to have to redo everything. Just wanted to hear if anyone had done this before. I saw someone had some fish in a pool as a temp house was wondering if he had the pool pump or fishtank pump
Can you post a picture of the pump?? And maybe a model number? You are better off calling Pentair directly instead asking people that don't know and may be giving you the wrong info here :banghead: .
Did you guys know ---> Ampmaster was designed as a pool pump.. Sequence started making pumps for pools, spas, and ponds before they had a salt water line of pumps. Pentair makes LARGE pumps for LARGE salt water tanks under the Rainbow brand and the "Quite one" line of smaller pumps?
Here is their website:
http://www.pentairaquatics.com/2005_aquarium/Aquariumnew.html
Did you guys know ---> Ampmaster was designed as a pool pump.. Sequence started making pumps for pools, spas, and ponds before they had a salt water line of pumps. Pentair makes LARGE pumps for LARGE salt water tanks under the Rainbow brand and the "Quite one" line of smaller pumps?
Here is their website:
http://www.pentairaquatics.com/2005_aquarium/Aquariumnew.html
the pump is a dynamo 3/4hp it is made by pentair
this is a link to one but mine doesn't have the leaf basket trap on the left like pic
http://www.aqua-pool-warehouse.com/Catalogs/catPumps/pumpsPentairDynamo.asp
I called a pool place and they told me to rebuild it wasn't cheap and I was better off pitching it a new one is like $150-200 but I can buy a sequence pump about the same gph for about $200 so I may just end up getting a new one I just really didn't want to replumb it I am anxious to get some water into the tank.....
this is a link to one but mine doesn't have the leaf basket trap on the left like pic
http://www.aqua-pool-warehouse.com/Catalogs/catPumps/pumpsPentairDynamo.asp
I called a pool place and they told me to rebuild it wasn't cheap and I was better off pitching it a new one is like $150-200 but I can buy a sequence pump about the same gph for about $200 so I may just end up getting a new one I just really didn't want to replumb it I am anxious to get some water into the tank.....
I would call Pentair directly and see what they can do, the pool place is out to sale pumps not repairing them.
My large Sequence froze on me after about 9 months of storage, called sequence and they rebuilt the pump for $80+shipping. It came back with a new motor.
My large Sequence froze on me after about 9 months of storage, called sequence and they rebuilt the pump for $80+shipping. It came back with a new motor
.Called Pentair they say no go ever on the saltwater that is not what it was designed for so decided to scrap the whole thing and go buy a brand new one. Called the local fish store that I know the owner of asked what 3/4hp or 3000gph pumps he had for sale either used or new he said he could sell me an iwaki for $700 but he said for that water flow he would go to the pool store and get one told me that is what he uses for his store and hes been in biz for 15+ years. The two name brands he uses is the dynamo. He said to just check to make sure the impeller was ceramic other than that I'd be good to go. So I am going to check out the impeller on this if I can get one last rusty screw to let loose!!
Never heard of a $700 iwaki. For 3,000 gallon range, I would look into Sequence, most bang for the buck pump I have had.
Take the pump cover off and try to spin the impeller, mine was frozen at the shaft bearing\seal area just behind the impeller.
Take the pump cover off and try to spin the impeller, mine was frozen at the shaft bearing\seal area just behind the impeller.
you could also try a hayward pool pump my old setup was using that when i had a old undertank oceanclear canister system its a pool pump but its good use for both frsh and salt water tank was runnin fine back in the days when it was fish only
samster said:
That is the other name brand he uses in his shop. When I called back to the pool shop most of the 3/4 to 1hp pumps are 200-300 range so not too bad that is the price of half the gph pumps that are fish related so if I have to buy new at least its more reasonable. But at least I know it is safe. he even offered to let me see his pumps if I didn't believe him. But he has always been straight with me. When I started in salt he told me what used equipment to buy which new stuff to buy and didn't just try to sell me things from his shop. He even showed me how to redo a sump and pump someone had given me free of charge. And even if he loses a sale he will tell you if there is a better way. He doesn't carry resin for DI but told me where to get it online. To me he really is a great guy
and has really helped me the past 7 years. Will let everyone know how it goes.
HAPPY TURKEY DAY>>>>>>>>>
- Location
- Howell, NJ
cali_reef said:
i guess i DO no what im talking about. :joke: :yeah:
cali_reef said:
My advice was to purchase a new pump instead of risking any chance of blowing an expensive system.
If some-one would spend big bucks on a system....why not go all the way & purchase a pump for it's intended purpose?
It seems that she was advised the same. So my post did count for something.
The forums are for people looking advice & everyone knows nothing is "set in stone." It is best to do the research yourself & receive guidance from fellow reefers.
Everyone has they're own experience & different ways of doing things.
Your advice is not always 100% either.
Hanna: My advice stands....purchase a new pump
DaRealDvs1 said:My advice was to purchase a new pump instead of risking any chance of blowing an expensive system.
If some-one would spend big bucks on a system....why not go all the way & purchase a pump for it's intended purpose?
It seems that she was advised the same. So my post did count for something.
The forums are for people looking advice & everyone knows nothing is "set in stone." It is best to do the research yourself & receive guidance from fellow reefers.
Everyone has they're own experience & different ways of doing things.
Your advice is not always 100% either.
Hanna: My advice stands....purchase a new pump
Never said your perticular advise was incorrect, I think its not the way to approach an expensive piece of equipment but hey it is an expensive hobby. Your advise was given without knowing all the details, her particular pump may be easily repaired like in my EXPERIENCE for a lot less than the price of a new pump. Did you even know who made the pump when you posted??
Too many people on this board are self taught "experts", at least they think they are after they filled their tank just three months ago. I never said I am an "expert" in this hobby and I only offer my advice when I had experience the same topic posted.
BTW, next time you have a dead fish in your tank, you should just go out a buy a new tank :tongue1:.
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