Plumbing Questions

[Reef_Hobbyist]

1. My current return pumps are external (Hammerheads) with a 1.5" bulkheads in the sump, 1.5" intakes and 1.5" outputs on the pumps. I am thinking of replacing them with Abyzz 400 but the new pumps have 2" intake and 1.5" output. I do not really want to drill out the sump and put in 2" bulkheads. What if I put the new pumps inside the sump which solves the intake issue and then run the 1.5" output from the pumps through the existing 1.5" bulkheads? Would that work? That would be the least amount of plumbing changes.

2. What are the pros/cons of running return pumps submerged in the sump versus external?

 

[crusso1993]

1. My current return pumps are external (Hammerheads) with a 1.5" bulkheads in the sump, 1.5" intakes and 1.5" outputs on the pumps. I am thinking of replacing them with Abyzz 400 but the new pumps have 2" intake and 1.5" output. I do not really want to drill out the sump and put in 2" bulkheads. What if I put the new pumps inside the sump which solves the intake issue and then run the 1.5" output from the pumps through the existing 1.5" bulkheads? Would that work? That would be the least amount of plumbing changes.

2. What are the pros/cons of running return pumps submerged in the sump versus external?

Could you not simply use a 2" to 1.5" reducer bushing on the Abyzz and, subsequently, use all of your existing plumbing?

 

[Johniejumbo]

Running the pump submerged may create a bit more heat than you want. Then again it may just help your heaters not work so hard. I would hesitate to reduce the influent diameter. That can reduce the pumps performance and possibly lifespan. I personally prefer an external pump because it frees up space in my sump.

 

[Reef_Hobbyist]

Could you not simply use a 2" to 1.5" reducer bushing on the Abyzz and, subsequently, use all of your existing plumbing?

Certainly could but consensus is to not reduce the intake.

 

[Reef_Hobbyist]

Running the pump submerged may create a bit more heat than you want. Then again it may just help your heaters not work so hard. I would hesitate to reduce the influent diameter. That can reduce the pumps performance and possibly lifespan. I personally prefer an external pump because it frees up space in my sump.

I like external pumps as well. Moving from AC to DC is going to reduce the heat and noise they give off tremendously. I have a couple of fans to blow the heat out of the cabinets. I am also hoping the DC pumps will not create microbubbles like my current pumps do.

 

[Snoopy 67]

My only con with internal is detritus in the sump.
I would try it before making any changes.
If you are concerned try an email to them about any temperature concerns but I believe they run cool like a Red Dragon.