return pump on my new 180

[jennmac415]

I am still getting my stuff together but I am closer than ever to setting this thing up...it is an AGA 180 RR with the dual overflows...3/4 inch returns and 1 inch drains...what I am trying to decide on right now is what return pump to use... I own 3 pumps already... a mag 12, a quiet one 5000 and a submersible gen x 6000.... would one of these work for the return pump...I would use it as a submersible return...I know most people use extenal return pumps, and I bought an acrylic tank to use as my sump in case I ever want to use and external pump for ease of drilling, but as of now, I don't already own an external pump....... with all the big purchases I have made already for this tank, I was hoping that one of the pumps i already own would work...what do you think would be the best one?

Also,how do I draw and post a pic of my sump plan on here?

Thanks for help picking a return pump...

[Geoff]

how much head will the pump be pushing?

G~

[jennmac415]

well, from pump to top of return will only be about 4-5 feet maybe, 2 feet horizontal and maybe 2-2 1/2 feet vertical but it will be divided to 2 returns...so that footage doubled I guess....so about 10 feet???

[jennmac415]

Would a mag 24 be better? Too much??

[Geoff]

it all depends on the size of your drain in the overflow.

G~

[jennmac415]

2 1 inch drains each rated for 600 gph

[know-it-all]

OK, let me try this again
I had it all typed out then IE was shut down before I could hit send

if it were me, I'd start with a good external pump and save the headache of draining the sump at a later date

but from your choices, here are the con's to each

Gen X 6000: looks like it need a high water level to not suck air
it may cause a headache with evaporation

Mag 12: can run up your electric bill fast

Quietone 5000: not familiar with it, but looks like a cheaper version of the mag 12

[jennmac415]

okkkk so what external pump that won't break the bank, run up my electric bill and will work with 3/4 in returns should i look into how about a gen x pcx 40?

[know-it-all]

I really like the Velocity pumps, my T4 has 1" hose bars
the T3 has 3/4" npt threaded ends
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...product=CP7115

I have used other pumps in setting up other peoples tanks,
Iwaki's, they were not real loud,
but sounded like a helicopter when run side by side with the velocity's

[jennmac415]

How does one make a pump with 1" fittings work with 3/4 " returns... ??? plumbing is NOT my specialty...

[Big B]

I use a submersed Mag 12 for my return on the same tank. Works great. Would something work better??? Probably, but I already had the pump.

[titanfan]

You can use a reducer right before it hits your bulkheads. They are easy to find in lowes/homedpot plumbing section. Atleast they are for me after spending many hours wandering through that aisle. You should be able to find one plumbing piece that will reduce 1" to 3/4". Ask an employee for a reducer with those measurements. They should be able to point them out. Just know before you go if you need slip or threaded.

[Big B]

Lowes or HD would have the fittings you need. Our local Lowes is pretty helpful if you expalin what you are doing.

[Fly Guy]

Unless you have a big skimmer processing more than 1000 gph.....the mag 12 is perfect for that tank IMO. Scaled back maybe a touch even depending on what skimmer you are running

I use a mag 18 on my 225, but im giving my chiller 700 or so of it

[ChrisPrusha]

I have 2 Mag 12s in my sump on my 180RR (both obviously scaled back a bit). I like the redundancy.