Pump Recommendations needed

[Notafan21]

I need to replace the pump in my 75 gallon tank. The one I have is old and very noisy. I am wondering what pumps you guys recommend. I need advice on size, and I would like something quiet and halfway affordable... any help would be appreciated.

 

[bskerrichard27]

I have a pentair quietone 4000 on my 75 it is quite and very reliable

 

[mfdrookie516]

The big question is how much can your overflow handle?

 

[MikeYQM]

You want about 5-10x turnover from you sump (as long as your overflow can handle it) AFTER head loss.

I use a Danner Mag Drive and it works great. Quiet & efficient.

 

[Notafan21]

The overflow is rated for 125 gallons...

 

[mfdrookie516]

Are you sure? That would be like 1/4" pipe. Is it drilled or an HOB overflow?

 

[Notafan21]

Hmmm... i see what you are saying. well its a HOB overflow, it came with my sump, which is rated for up to a 125 gallon tank. I think my overflow is rated for 600 GPH. The hose is 1". Does that make more sense?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Oh... Ok. I thought you meant 125gph. With a 600gph overflow, I'd probably shoot for 400-500 gph after head loss. How high is the top of the tank? I'd guess, without knowing exact head height, that a mag 9 would be a good choice. I am really pleased with my mag 7 on my 40b.

 

[Notafan21]

the tank is 48" high

 

[MikeYQM]

Next question, do you use media reactor(s)? If so, you can size up the pump a few notches, tee off the return line to the reactor and use a ball valve to regulate flow into the tank.

This cuts down an extra pump & allows for pressure from the ball valve to flow through the loop. Win win as they say.

 

[Notafan21]

At this time I wont be running any reactors, it will just be used as a return pump. Do you think a mag 9 would be too much? Should I go with a mag 7 instead?

 

[mfdrookie516]

I think a mag 9 would be a good option. At 4' of head height with 4 90's, a check valve, a union, and a ball valve, the mag 9 will push 589gph. You could partially close the ball valve if you needed to. That leaves you some wiggle room.

 

[mr_X]

I would use flexible hose instead of hard plumbing the return. It will cut down on head loss. I would simply drill a small hole in the return just below the water line inside the tank instead of using a check valve. they are not reliable in salt water applications.
Mag drives are fair, but I prefer Quiet one's.

 

[MikeYQM]

Agreed flex tubing for that size application is ideal. The mag 9.5 uses 3/4". I keep my returns right @ the surface so when the pump kills, less than a gallon drains into the sump. If you want the return below the surface, drill just below the suface & make sure it doesnt clog. Just make sure you have room in the sump either way & you're fine.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I have my return drilled too, but I put in a check valve that has dramatically helped with the burst of bubbles when I turn my pump back on after a water change. I know that their reliability isn't all that great, but it's nice having it. Mine has a union on each side, so that if it does fail, it can be easily replaced.

 

[Notafan21]

Thanks for the info everyone, now its time to shop!