Can I use a Filstar XP3 as my sump return pump? - Aquarium Advice

gaines · 09-14-2006, 08:17 AM

I am setting up a 55 gallon long tank as the sump/refugium for my 135 gallon oceanic and was wondering if I could use my Filstar XP3 as a return pump.

My first concern is whether the pump is strong enough to pump the water up 3-4ft. to the tank above. Normally the weight of the water in the intake tube balances out the weight of the water being lifted. I planned on testing this myself, but until I get everything set up I thought I'd see if anyone else had tried this.

My second concern is strain. Even if I try the XP3 and find that it can lift the water at a decent rate, I don't want to find out a couple months later that I've burned out my pump motor because it's not meant to be under this type of strain.

A decent pump would cost me nearly as much as the XP3, so if I can get some extra filtration out of the deal I'm all for it. Any thoughts?

src · 09-14-2006, 12:32 PM

The XP3 should be able to handle the pumping duty, but I would be concerned that it won't move the volume of water you would like. The best thing to do with it is to remove any filter material from the baskets, and leave off the little "lids" for each basket. This will give you the best possible flow rate, and get you closer to actually matching the flow specification.

hc8719 · 09-14-2006, 02:39 PM

i suppose it would work as well, kinda a waste of a xP3 though

flamingonhot · 09-14-2006, 05:50 PM

I wouldn't do it IMHO. Not only will the water balance out incorrectly in most cases, but if it gets clogged the sump could overflow. A decent pump would be better, and more reliable. That's just my opinion though.

BTW, a pump won't exactly cost that much..jeesh, for my future pond, I planned on getting a pump with close to 2000 gph and it was only about 100.

jsoong · 09-16-2006, 12:15 AM

I don't think the extra work pushing the water up would strain the pump, but the flow would be rather reduced. I did use my Magnum 350 as a return pump, and the flow was 1/2 or less going up 3'. With the Magnum, there was also a lot of problem with cavitation & air trapping inside the canister due to the imbalanced in/out height, requiring frequent maintanance. For those reasons, I got a "real" pump instead after a few months.

09-14-2006, 08:17 AM	#1
gaines Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1	Can I use a Filstar XP3 as my sump return pump? I am setting up a 55 gallon long tank as the sump/refugium for my 135 gallon oceanic and was wondering if I could use my Filstar XP3 as a return pump. My first concern is whether the pump is strong enough to pump the water up 3-4ft. to the tank above. Normally the weight of the water in the intake tube balances out the weight of the water being lifted. I planned on testing this myself, but until I get everything set up I thought I'd see if anyone else had tried this. My second concern is strain. Even if I try the XP3 and find that it can lift the water at a decent rate, I don't want to find out a couple months later that I've burned out my pump motor because it's not meant to be under this type of strain. A decent pump would cost me nearly as much as the XP3, so if I can get some extra filtration out of the deal I'm all for it. Any thoughts?

09-14-2006, 05:50 PM	#4
flamingonhot Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: nekoosa,wisconsin Posts: 592 Images: 2	I wouldn't do it IMHO. Not only will the water balance out incorrectly in most cases, but if it gets clogged the sump could overflow. A decent pump would be better, and more reliable. That's just my opinion though. BTW, a pump won't exactly cost that much..jeesh, for my future pond, I planned on getting a pump with close to 2000 gph and it was only about 100. __________________ I'm tired of getting pointless messages. If your going to start a conversation or ask me something, keep up with it.

09-16-2006, 12:15 AM	#5
jsoong Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 1,890	I don't think the extra work pushing the water up would strain the pump, but the flow would be rather reduced. I did use my Magnum 350 as a return pump, and the flow was 1/2 or less going up 3'. With the Magnum, there was also a lot of problem with cavitation & air trapping inside the canister due to the imbalanced in/out height, requiring frequent maintanance. For those reasons, I got a "real" pump instead after a few months. __________________ 75 gal FW with 30 gal DIY wet/dry/sump. 9 fancy golds, 1 hillstream loaches, 1 rubber-lip pleco (C. thomasi), 3 SAEs, planted.

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09-14-2006, 12:32 PM	#2
src Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 476	The XP3 should be able to handle the pumping duty, but I would be concerned that it won't move the volume of water you would like. The best thing to do with it is to remove any filter material from the baskets, and leave off the little "lids" for each basket. This will give you the best possible flow rate, and get you closer to actually matching the flow specification.

09-14-2006, 02:39 PM	#3
hc8719 Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 1,932	i suppose it would work as well, kinda a waste of a xP3 though