Return pump choice

Jacoda · #1 05-26-2002, 12:05 AM

I like to get some opinions regarding to which pump or power head I should use for returning water from my 25g refugium to main tank at 46" high at about 80 to 100GPH(not 3000GPH :D ), what would be the cheapest options?

Silverfish · #2 05-26-2002, 12:30 AM

I am using a Maxi Jet 1200 powerhead to return water from the sump to a 15g with 5' of head, works fine.
That is if you aren't looking for a huge turnover..

Jacoda · #3 05-26-2002, 03:21 AM

Bruce:
Do your know the GPH of your Maxijet1200 at 5' high?

Silverfish · #4 05-27-2002, 01:36 AM

Not exactly, but on the box it says 295 gph at 0 head, and maximum 69" height so....

I would guess it is not much, but it seems to work fine, the heaters are in the sump, (15g is tied into my 55g system) and I don't have problems with not enough water volume turnover. It is only a 15g tho. ;)

Jacoda · #5 05-27-2002, 07:33 PM

Thanks for your info Bruce, I guess I have to return the Aquaclear 5000 I bought the other day.
It was on sale at King Ed for only $59.99, too good of a deal to pass.

Silverfish · #6 05-27-2002, 09:16 PM

The nice thing about MJ 1200's is - J&L sells them cheap, and if doesn't work as a return pump from your 'fuge to your main tank, you can always use it in your main tank, or to mix salt, or... :D

titus · #7 05-28-2002, 06:31 AM

Hello,

I have been using a MaxiJet 1200 since I started. Great reliable pump. Priced cheap.

I've just built my sump and am plumbing my Ampmaster 3000, which will be the new return pump.

Jacoda · #8 05-28-2002, 09:30 PM

OK, MaxiJet it is!

Thaks for the input. [img]smile.gif[/img]

johnmac · #9 05-28-2002, 09:47 PM

Can someone tell me what the GPH should be for a return pump to pump from the sump up to a 125g? Sump will be located just below the main tank near the floor.

CHEAPREEF · #10 05-28-2002, 09:52 PM

You should shoot for between 5-10x the tank volume with whatever head lose you have. If you want 10x i'd shoot for 1800 gph or so. JMO.

Clinton