External Pump Recommendation?

[SaltWaterDave]

I've never used or even thought about external pumps before because I didn't have a need. I'm upgrading to a larger tank and will have my refugium in the basement. I'll need a pump that can handle at least 10 feet of head and still give me good flow. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[soccerbag]

I would go with the Reeflo Hammerhead. One of the best pumps on the market and has one of the best head pressure rating of any pump out there. Many of us run them with great success. That would be my suggestion - I'm sure there will be others.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Thanks Craig. I'll look that one up now.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

That's a serious pump.

 

[soccerbag]

They are pricey but you can find some good deals on used ones if you look around. That pump could run everything you need. To give you an idea of how I use mine....

Clockwise from the top, I have a manifold that runs:

-Return to my display
-House drain for water changes
-GFO reactor
-Frag tank (in basement)
-Carbon Reactor

My sump (and all the guts) sit in the basement. The pump runs everything I own and I am pumping upstairs to my display which is around 15'. So it has some power to it. Just wanted to give you an idea of how a bigger pump could be used. Let me know if you have any questions. Hope this helps a bit.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Wow Craig. That's a great way to make use of the monster pump. Thanks for the pics and the help. I've never thought about using a pump like that to run everything.

 

[soccerbag]

Yeah, I never thought of it either until I started looking around at some other setups years ago. The external pump keeps the heat out of the water and gives you so many options! Whether you use a Hammerhead or another type of external pump, you can build a type of manifold that will feed everything. One pump makes it so much easier. Put ball valves on each output and regulate the flow you need to different areas. I think it is one of the best upgrades that I ever made to my setup. I've been running my Hammerhead nonstop for 4 years or so and I am very happy with it. I take it apart and clean it really well twice per year but is otherwise maintenance free.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Thanks for all your help Craig. You've been extra thorough and opened my eyes to some new things.

They are a bit expensive, but this will be my final upgrade so I'm doing it right and mine as well not cut any corners.

 

[soccerbag]

That's what we are here for Dave. Definitely post some pics of your progress as I know there are many other reeferes here who could benefit from some pics (befoire / after / during). Let us know if you have any questions moving forward.

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Will do Craig.

 

[Emoney]

Reeflo GOLD Series..My buddy has a hammer head running 300gl display, 125gl sump and a 40 gl frag tank with plenty of room to add on...

Ill be getting one soon but know he LOVES the pump and its energy ***..

If you not to far from THAT PET PLACE you can use a %30 off coupon to get the pump..well worth the drive!

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Thanks Emoney!

 

[SaltWaterDave]

PM bump. I'd like to hear some more advise please. Thanks for helping me out.

 

[LegoZ81]

The hammerhead gold is the lowest wattage pump that i could find with a decent amount of flow, the return runs 24x7 so proper sizing and lowest wattage possible is a must. My pump paid off replacing the 3 other pumps I had in power savings alone after 3 years, and it has a 5 year warranty.

For me I replaced a gen x sucking down 400w and a panworld pulling down another 120w and this one puls about 280w at with my current plumbing configuration with the basement sump.


Check out my build thread in my signiture and the update thread here:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/large-aquariums-180g/71055-my-240g-updated.html

 

[SaltWaterDave]

Thanks Lego