jennmac415 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I have never used an external return pump... but seeing as I am setting up a new tank, I am still "thinking" about equipment.... what are the pros and cons of both kinds of pumps and which kind do most of you use/like?? Thanks for your help! Jenni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael7979 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 How big is the tank again? Are you just going to use it as a return pump? Or are you going to 'T' it off to supply reactors or other equipment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennmac415 Posted March 7, 2011 Author Share Posted March 7, 2011 Michael... 120 gallon for now, just a return pump... but who knows later down the line...may T it off for other equipment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael7979 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 for now, just a return pump... but who knows later down the line...may T it off for other equipment This line right here makes me vote for a external. Because you can plumb it for future exspansion during the intial set-up. But I have always used internal pumps myself. But I have thought about the same thing many times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReefSafari Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 But I have always used internal pumps myself. I guess I should have read the the part that it was for a 120 gallon...Oops my bad...I voted for Internal.... It seems like you can get larger pumps if you go external...So disreguard my internal vote...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennmac415 Posted March 7, 2011 Author Share Posted March 7, 2011 soooo....... does that mean you think an external pump would be a GOOD choice for my tank??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBirkett Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I think you made a good choice. The only internal pump I might use would be a Mag 18 , but in the summer you might face heat issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReefSafari Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 soooo....... does that mean you think an external pump would be a GOOD choice for my tank??? If your directing that question to me, then yes....I should have voted for External, but take my opinion with a grain of salt, as I don't have a big tank nor have an external pump, further more I have never used an External pump, BUT....if I did have a big tank and wanted to move larger volume of water, I do think I would be looking for an External pump....I clicked to vote prior to reading the whole thread, after reading it was for a 120 gallon, I thought..."hmmm...Yeah I should have voted External"....lol I think most people who have larger tanks and are looking to move larger volumes of water (especially for SPS) seem to go the external pump route...but thats just my observation.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwenReefin Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Do you have the space to plumb an external? If so yah. Lots go with submersible because it fits nicely into a partition of the sump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelhead77 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 You could go either way. On my 180 I have an internal for my return and I have an external that pumps my chiller. Externals have the advantage of keeping all the heat that pumps generate out of the water. They also don't clutter up your sump and get crud growing all over them. Plus it's easier to "T" off of an external if you want to run other items from one pump. There's two reasons to go internal: Cabinet space and ease of use. Probably the main reason people go internal is because it's easier - just drop it in the water and hook up the return. You will need to drill your sump and install a bulkhead and valve to run external. A little more complicated, but worth it, IMO, to keep the heat out. It's really a matter of personal preference. If you have room in your cabinet and can get a good deal on an external and have no problem drilling your sump and plumb it, go that way. Otherwise stick to an internal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBirkett Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Another reason to go external is some internal pumps generate stray voltage that externals will never have. Stray voltage kills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowman Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Go with an external. The flexibility you get will pay off in the long run Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cklskypilot Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I would go with external less heat build up. but you need to make sure that you have the room to hook one up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 If an external is the way all of you guys are recommending, and I admit, I voted for a submersible, which one would you recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBirkett Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 If you like quiet pumps, Reeflo pumps are hard to beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Jenni I hate to hijack, but after talking to a few people and doing a bit of research, I'm willing to consider an external pump myself LOL. So what would you guys suggest for myself: 3 tanks plumbed into 1 sump, a 40b DT a 30b frag tank an a 15.5g species/planted tank housing a pair of maroons, all plumbed into a 55g sump....It's got to be quiet as hell, and both the DT an frag tank will have split returns.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennmac415 Posted March 8, 2011 Author Share Posted March 8, 2011 Thanks everyone for all of your help! I really appreciate it! I always know I can count on all of you!(clap) I decided to go external and purchased tonight the gen x external pump that MarkBirkett had for sale....so onward I go in my never-ending journey to gain knowledge and know-how about our wonderful OBSESSION!!!!(nutty) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 I know the feeling Jenni, I just got done talking to Bob(Lowman) an he recommended I look at a Dart pump, so now I gotta talk the gf into it LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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