Need help choosing algae scrubber pump

PiscesPower · Jan 5, 2018

I have a turf algae scrubber on my RSR 250. I started it using a sicce nano pump since that was what I had around, but it was not enough flow. I had some growth but it wasn't creating a wall of water down the screen. Today I attached an MJ 1200 295 gph, and tried to just dial the flow down using a restrictor valve on the intake. Holy crap its so noisy and it seems a crazy amount of flow.

Since I need to get a new pump. I need some recommendations. The screen is 8 x 8 inches. I'm looking for suggestions on brand and what flow rate I should be putting through this scrubber.

Is there a DC pump that is under 500gph out there?

Just a pic of the scrubber the day I put it in.

NowGlazeIT · Jan 5, 2018

I remember when I bought some used tanks and fresh water equipment. I ran into a aqueon 98gph submersible pump. It kicks butt in moving water around the little ten gallon tank not sure how it would do with head pressure or your application.

pelphrey · Jan 5, 2018

MJ1200 will be loud if it is touching any of the sump from my experience. If it is sitting on the floor of the sump try to raise it up. You can look at the Reef Octopus VarioS-2 for the DC option. Last option is to Tee off your return and use it or upgrade it to power the tank and scrubber!

ca1ore · Jan 5, 2018

I feed my ATS from the overflow drain - not sure if that's possible in your case, but I always try to take advantage of gravity.

NowGlazeIT · Jan 5, 2018

Is adding a manifold to your system in the realm of possibility?

NowGlazeIT · Jan 5, 2018

i have an MJ1200 from both cobalt and the one that comes stock with the bio cube coralife29 both make a louder noise from the propeller when I’ve restricted flow

lion king · Jan 5, 2018

I would think that is a good flow for that screen size, as example Clear Water Scrubbers recommends 350gph for a scrubber with a screen smaller than yours. Jebao makes inexpensive dc pumps, check on amazon. Im running about 500gph on a 12x9 screen.