Mixing Station pump? Looking for recommendations

[SallyWho]

I've ordered two 40 gallon barrels for my water mixing station (https://www.ruralking.com/ace-roto-mold-40-gallon-vertical-dome-top-tank-vt0040-18.html), and I think I've got my plumbing plans sorted out- at least on paper. The only gaping hole in my mixing station plans is what pump to use. It'll be external, and its functions will include moving water from the RODI barrel to the salt barrel, mixing the salt barrel (barrels come with bulkhead preinstalled on the bottom, and I'll drill for another bulkhead on top in order to get good mixing action), and then pumping the salt water to the tank. Since the barrels are only 40 gallons, and the tank will be 120g and only about 10-12' away, I don't think I need something as heavy duty as a hammerhead or anything. But what sort of pump should I use? It'd be neato-frito if it could double as a backup return pump for the display- so being either submersible or external would be a huge plus! Recommendations? Thanks!

 

[mjlash22]

Look at Jebao return pumps. I know that at least the DCT/P lines can be used as either internal or external pumps and will definitely be a good back up for the price. Most are in the $60-$120 range depending on the flow rate you get.

 

[Behnken]

I have a very similiar setup and use the Pan World 40PX Magnetic Water Pump.

 

[SallyWho]

Look at Jebao return pumps. I know that at least the DCT/P lines can be used as either internal or external pumps

I managed to score a BNIB Jebao DCT-8000 for $20, and plan to use it for my return pump. The instructions say "please use pump only when it is completely submerged in water." but I'll see if any other models can be external as well. Thanks for the tip!

I have a very similiar setup and use the Pan World 40PX Magnetic Water Pump.

I'll check out that line- I don't think I've heard of them before. Thanks!

 

[WWIII]

I would look at panworld or iwaki.

For panworld either a 40px, 50px, or 100px...

For iwaki, here's their pumps...

Both are nice brand pumps. The panworld are based off the iwaki pumps. Iwaki is probably a little better/quieter, but panworld price is better.

 

[mjlash22]

I managed to score a BNIB Jebao DCT-8000 for $20, and plan to use it for my return pump. The instructions say "please use pump only when it is completely submerged in water." but I'll see if any other models can be external as well. Thanks for the tip!

I'll check out that line- I don't think I've heard of them before. Thanks!

The instructions are confusing. I just recently purchased a DCP-10000 and it says the same thing yet it then says and shows you how to externally plumb the pump...

 

[SallyWho]

The instructions are confusing. I just recently purchased a DCP-10000 and it says the same thing yet it then says and shows you how to externally plumb the pump...

Huh. That's weird. I'll have to take a closer look at that instruction book.

And @WWIII thanks for those charts! Really helpful!

 

[Salt1972]

I use a Jebao DCT4000 and our mixing station is 40' from our display tank. Within the mixing station, the pump is strong and mixes / moves water very well. We use a 50' 3/4" hose to fill the display tank and ATO... it's a bit slow in that mission.

We do use it in an external set up without issue. I've also used a DCS2000 in both internal and external setups without issue.

 

[Daltrey]

Ive been using my jebao external on my mixing station for 7 months now with no issues. It is also my backup pump in case I ever need it.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/daltreys-red-sea-reefer-750-xxl-build.351366/