Mag 12 - Overkill???

[sleeri]

I own a 55G reef tank. I currently have a Mag 7 return pump. Unfortunately, the Mag 7 just isn't cutting it for water ciculation. I'm having to compensate with 3 maxi-jets (2 1200s & 1 other size I can't rememebr at the moment) and it still doesn't seem to be enough. Plus, I'm not a fan of stuffing a 55G with lots of PHs. So I'd like to get a Mag 12 and work some in tank plumbing magic to increase water flow.

Would a Mag 12 be too much for a 55G or is the better question would it be too much for my overflow? My overflow is rated for 700 GPH. The return pump would push water up 4+ft of tubing. I would also incude a ball valve, which would allow me to divert flow from the main tank back to the sump if I encounter problems (thereby reducing flow in tank). Let me know if you have anyother ideas that might work. Thanks.

[Irenicus]

Have you thought of doing a closed loop? This could help a lot with your circulation needs. Do a search for Melev and check out his hang on closed loop. I have a Mag 7 on my 75 Gallon fish, mushrooms,live rock tank and it does the trick for return.

[Clownnut]

mag 12 is kinda big for ur overflow.
if u decide to give it a shot.
dont use valve at mag.
i heard it will create restart problem.but u do something like bypass.

[Frogbone]

I'd give it a try. Oversize the output pipes, put in a ball valve and adjust from there. I ran MAG 24 on a 1600 gph overflow and I had no problem. I ran it wide open. I think the gph on overflows are probably set on the low side and can handle more than they are officialy rated for. of course I have no data to back that up, just my own experience

[Beng]

I have a Mag 9.5 on my 55 FOWLR and it's great.
It's a close loop with 2 spraybars, one on the water surface and one near bottom of tank.

It's the only pump for the whole tank. I've never try a Mag 12 so don't know how it would do in a 55 but for me a Mag 9.5 works great in my 55.

Beng

[JnS]

closed loop is what you are looking for.

[HFG]

Ya you could do a 12 on a closed loop, but I wouldn't go any higher than the pump you have now for the overflow.

[Ben Nicholls]

My daughter uses a Mag12 for the return on her 55 and the tank is doing great with the flow.

[HFG]

wow. I just checked and I actually have a mag 7 I have too t-off. I believe the drain is a 1", but I am not certian. Perhaps you have further to push the water up?

[trodder]

The mag 12 would not be to much flow for the tank itself... however I agree with Fritz (HFG) about not going any higher on the sump return pump. The reason is if you pass water through your sump to quick, how well is it being filtered??? Most of it will blow right pass your skimmer and back into the display.... Though you may still be okay with the mag 12 with the main retrun. I always like the idea of getting rid of power heads and adding more flow via other means.... I would just take the mag12 and make it your closed loop pump to go with the mag7 for your normal return pump. melevs reef does have some good instructions of how to do a closed loop without drilling...