Sump/refuge newbie, need some help!

[Hookman]

I have a 55 currently about 5yrs old. I think i'm going to get a 75 and I want to use a 20 gal for a sump. Does anyone have any ideas what I would need and what kind of pumps to use, Thanks!

[fijiwigi]

I have a 46 gallon I am adding a sump at the end of this month this is what I was going to do.
Overflow rated at 500gph with 55 gallon and mag5 or 700gph with 75 gallon and mag 7
http://www.aquacrylics.com/new_acryl...ox_and_ski.htm
Return Pump(oceanrunner 2500) rated at 625gph with loss in rating due to height about 500gph
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...7&pcatid=14677


All of this based on the DIY sump idea at this website. The only other things I need are eggcrate and a sheet of acrylic for the baffles.
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/s...***/index.html

[lando]

It will depend on the rating of the overflow you use but I would think a MagDrive 7 or 9.5 would be fine. My Mag pumps have been running flawlessly for what seems like forever.

[cmor1701d]

Just a FYI. I think I just attributed a 2 degree tank rise to my Mag9.5 in my sump (used fro my PS). My PS was not working properly and I shut it down for a couple of days till I fixed it last night. This morning my tank temp was 2 degrees higher. I've been looking for the cause of that temp gain and I think I just found it.

[roka64]

I have heard the mag run hot and can raise the temp. If it is too high, you can add a small fan to run accross the top of the sump/tank. My heaters kept the temp (and small room) at over 82, I added a floor fan (to come on when my lights do) and the temp stays stable at 78 degrees.

[melosu58]

I recently added a mag 9.5 and a Mag 12 for my return pumps and saw no noticable difference. Others have said theirs ran hot but not for me.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

My mag7 recently electrified my entire sump/aquarium being submersed, through the sump return (that was a pleasant little reach into the tank on a concrete floor). They do run quite warm as well. (I'm lurking, looking at getting something salty to go with beer and I'm sick of peanuts)

[roka64]

Wizzard, you should look into a titanium grounding probe to prevent shocks to both yourself and your critters...

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

I figured it was a grounded motor.. but that can be deceiving I guess. I'll look into them, or I'll look to ground a metal coupling (same effect). I since replaced the motor with a Rio 14HF that is dead quiet (and not as lively).

[cmor1701d]

My Mag9.5 is about 3 years old and due for another maintenace cleaning. I did add a fan blowing across the top tied to a timer. My tank now stays in the 78 -79 degree range. I also got my replacement digital Big Temp in last night. At least that agrees with my lab grade glass thermometer. The heater digital temp readout is 3 degrees off!