Submersible or Inline return pump?

Mark L · 10-07-2006, 02:21 PM

I currently have a 55gal reef tank with an inline return pump. It gets a little noisey at times but its all that I have ever used. I am collecting stuff to set a new 90gal. Allglass with the built in overflow and I am trying to decide which way to go this time. I already have a new HD40 Blueline 790GPH pump that I was going to use, but my new LFS. guy is recomending that I go with a 1200GPH mag drive submersible instead. He says that he does not set any new tanks up with inline pumps because of the possibility of the pump leaking in the cabinet. So what do you guys have and what do you think would be the right GPH pump for my application? Thanks for any help.

Fly Guy · 10-07-2006, 02:26 PM

I think the inline pump leaking thing is a silly argument. Plumb it right and it wont leak.
Either way can work great. On my tanks I prefer submersible pumps for my returns, becasue i have a bunch of other equipment, (my closed loop pumps for one), that need to go under the stand as well. A mag 12 could be a perfect size pump for your return, but need to know what kind of skimmer and skimmer pump you use to really size it correctly. I use a mag 12 on my 90, but i T off of it and it runs my chiller as well, so i am actually only using about 600 gph of it for the return.

dorian965 · 10-07-2006, 02:55 PM

your lfs guy is saying that because hes not there to watch it and he would be liable for a leak. makes since if you doing instals but not necessarily best for your tank.personal preferance.
if you have a large sump with lots of room and not alot of space in the stand, go with sub pump. they can be loud also.

Mark L · 10-07-2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly Guy

need to know what kind of skimmer and skimmer pump you use to really size it correctly.

Currently I am using a Top fathom 100A and I am running it off of the return pump. But when I set up the new tank he is trying to talk me into a new Natilus Skimmer. I may run the TF100 for a while to save money.
How much return water do I need for a 90 gal. tank?

Fly Guy · 10-07-2006, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark L

Currently I am using a Top fathom 100A and I am running it off of the return pump. But when I set up the new tank he is trying to talk me into a new Natilus Skimmer. I may run the TF100 for a while to save money.
How much return water do I need for a 90 gal. tank?

Im not familiar with either of those skimmers you mention. Ideally you want to match and set your system up so that all water coming into the sump is processed by the skimmer before being returned to the tank. In reality, this is all but impossible without some farily intensive sump building/water routing, but we do the best we can to match those flows with the skimmer in between and we can process the majority of the water with the skimmer that is drained from the tank before being returned.

I recommend ASM skimmers, not cheap but by far not the most expensive either. They do agreat job and do not take hardly any maintenance to continue to do a great job. I would recommend planning on fitting the biggest skimmer you can in your sump, regardless of what the skimmer rating says. More is better. : ) Then after you choose a skimmer you can decide which pump you are going to use as a return.