Laguna 2900/4200 for in sump return pump

[Paul_N]

When we talk about in sump return pumps it seems like the pumps that are mentioned most are QO,OR, Ehiem, and now ATB Flowstar. I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on using the Laguna 2900 or 4200 if you are looking for flow over 2000gph. Besides the +wattage does anyone see anything wrong with using it in that capacity? I am at a crossroads. When I setup my 220 I had my mind made up on the Flowstar but have been having second thoughts with the amount of return flow given that I have (2) 2" overflow lines. If I stick with the flow under 1500gph then I will definitely get the Flowstar. Just thinking out loud. Let me know your thoughts. :bigsmile:

 

[luke33]

Paul, both work well stock for a return pump or as a closed loop. They can run external just fine as well. You will most likely have to make a base for them. Can be done with a piece of acrylic and some super glue.

 

[Paul_N]

Thanks! I'm just trying to decide how much return flow I want for turn over. I don't want to plumb any pumps externally either. The sump I have is 80 gallons so I have plenty of space.

 

[luke33]

Yea, if i had the need for enough flow on a return pump I'd most likely go with a laguna max flo. The 4200's are HUGE though : ()

 

[Troylee]

i run a laguna/flostar 2900 and it kicks almost as hard as the dart i replaced it with....the pump is ran internal and runs at 78 watts...pretty good imo. for pushing that much water at 6ft of head pressure..my dart ran at 134watts..

 

[Paul_N]

i run a laguna/flostar 2900 and it kicks almost as hard as the dart i replaced it with....the pump is ran internal and runs at 78 watts...pretty good imo. for pushing that much water at 6ft of head pressure..my dart ran at 134watts..

Thanks! That's what I wanted to hear especially the wattage..:bigsmile: I think the 4200 will be overkill for me even though the (2) 2" bulkheads could handle it. Plus I'm not sure I want that much flow through my sump for skimming purposes. I just have to decide between the laguna 2900 or ATB Flowstar 1500......hmmmm decisions decisions.

 

[Troylee]

you can always throttle back the 2900 if ya want but i doubt you will...i have a 60 gal sump and the flow is perfect threw it....sure the skimmer isn't proccesing every last ounce of water before it leaves that chamber but it works like a champ!!! i would go with the bigger one the 2900 if it were me....i use spa jets or "tank jet's" they call them in this hobby which is a bulkhead with a ball that swivels to direct the flow where i want on my return... the return pump is plumbed with 1.5" pipe up to the tank and goes into a manifold feeding 3 tank jets that blast flow on the right side of my tank...one less ph i had to add...