Is a MAG 9.5 big enough?

JSB · Dec 21, 2012

In preparing to add a calcium reactor to my system, I am considering pressing my MAG 9.5 into service as a main pump instead of adding yet another utility pump to my over crowded sump. Is a Mag 9.5 big enough to supply the demands of a 60g tank return, Ca Reactor, BioPellet Reactor, and a GFO/Carbon Reactor? Or should I just dig out the MJ1200 and run the CaRx separately?

revhtree · Dec 21, 2012

I would run it separately. I wouldn't think it would have enough mojo after all that!

JSB · Dec 21, 2012

Yeah, that is what I was afraid of. I am thinking now of just leaving my existing return as-is and using the MAG to drive a utility manifold to service the three reactors, giving them a potential of 300gph each, which should be sufficient. That still reduces my number of pumps by 2 and I can swap the mag out for my existing return in case of a failure.

Chameleon · Dec 21, 2012

what calc reactor do you have. If your reactor has a dedicated pump for recirc the the way you laid out may work for a feed pump.

JSB · Dec 21, 2012

Chameleon said:
what calc reactor do you have. If your reactor has a dedicated pump for recirc the the way you laid out may work for a feed pump.

Avast SeaBones. It has a dedicated recirc pump.

Chameleon · Dec 21, 2012

Well in that case I think your plan could work. The only thing that will be tricky is if you adjust one it will affect all the others. Really you dont need much for a feed pump for calc reactors (an aqualifter will do its just not the most reliable). A mag9.5 should have no problem handling your return and two reactors. If you find its not enough I have a mag12 we may be able to work out a partial trade on but I am pretty confident you will get what you need with the 9.5

JSB · Dec 21, 2012

I have gone back and forth on this thing. Currently, my thinking is toss the MJ600 in the sump that I have out in the garage and be done with it. I bought the 9.5 as a spare for my return since that is the one pump I can't do without for any length of time. The other thought is just tap off the mag 3 that is overkill for my BP reactor, as you are right, I just need a trickle. I will keep that MAG 12 idea in my hip pocket. Just not sure how I am going to approach this one yet. Thanks for the input.

H@rry · Dec 21, 2012

I think the Mag 9.5 is big enough to handle everything if you build a manifold with gate valves (not ball valves). But, as has been mentioned, when you adjust one it probably will affect the others as well.

JSB · Dec 22, 2012

Well, if I could find all the parts locally, and that is tough to do, this manifold becomes expensive. The gate valves are not cheap, and cheap ball valves won't work. Add to that the issue with stepping down from 3/4" rigid to 1/2" flex tube to 1/4" flex with something made of nylon gets me blank stares from the associates at Lowes and Home Depot, as well as other more commercial vendors here in town. Sure they can do it in brass, but why would I want to do it in nylon?

So, for now, I will mod the spare mj600, and toss it in the sump. Problem solved, mostly, but not in an elegant fashion. I will probably be looking to you H@rry, for some setup and tuning advice for the reactor, so thanks in advance.