Pros vs Cons: Internal Pumps vs External Pumps

revhtree · Jul 24, 2012

In our hobby there is definitely no loss for options when it comes to the equipment we use. There are thousands of different ways we can configure our systems and with these options come the option to run an internal or external pump for your return from your sump.

Today I would like for us to weigh in on why we use what we use and what are the pros and cons of our decision. Please answer the following questions:

1. What make and model of pump do you use as a return from your sump?
2. Is this pump internal (submerged) or external (in-line).
3. Why did you choose to go with the pump you use and what do you consider to be the pros and cons?

Also if you are new to pumps and you need a specific question answered concerning internal versus external pumps please feel free to ask questions.

revhtree · Jul 25, 2012

No one?

Loki · Jul 25, 2012

I have both and I am partial to internal. I have a mag 18 and a mag 3 for internal return pumps. I have a reeflo dart (external) for a closed loop.

FishScale · Jul 25, 2012

I have an internal pump and some cons are it adds unwanted heat to my tank.

akaimal · Jul 25, 2012

Unwanted heat..

kuyatwo · Jul 25, 2012

Tunze silence return.....this is an internal submerged pump

Pros -

1. don't have to worry about replacing a seal like my old dart pump.

2. No leaky bulkheads to fiddle with.

3. I have a union right above my return pump so if necessary I can replace it with a spare in less than 5 min.

Cons.

Heat and space taken up in the sump

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nanoreefbro · Jul 25, 2012

I have both Eheim 1262 and a Reeflo Snapper.

The Eheim I've setup to be internal. I like that I don't have to worry about leaky pumps or bulkheads. But it's only about 900 GPH

The Reeflo Snapper is external. I like the power/pressure. It's 2600 GPH. Overall both pumps have their pluses and minuses.

Pappy · Jul 25, 2012

I am running a mag 9 internal on 75 and rio2100 internal on 40. The cons would be the heat and sump space being taken up. The pro would be they're both very reliable and (knock on wood) have never had a problem with either of these brands.

Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Chameleon · Jul 25, 2012

I have a mag 7 for a return. Its internal.
Cons: heat, space
Pros: reliability, ease of use, no mess ever
In peak summer months I wish I had an external as keeping the tank cool can be a hassle, but in winter its nice to have supporting heat from return. Overall on small systems I think I would always go with internal if possible.

anotherchevy · Jul 25, 2012

Internal pump. Saves space under cabinet but generates heat back to water. I use a chiller

psionicdragon · Jul 25, 2012

added heat to the tank

droblack · Jul 25, 2012

Internal. Just makes more sense to me with my setup. Not much room outside the sump.

Poseidon · Jul 25, 2012

External, Reeflo Blow hole 850.

I went with this model based on Brand name, head pressure and watts consumed. This pump has a low/med/high setting which I found pretty cool, I can change the flow in my tank dramatically by clicking a switch, which also changes the watt draw. On medium, the pump pulls 69W! Which is AWESOME!

The pump itself is TINY, but the input and output are "inline" so the plumbing takes up a bit more space, negating the space savings of the pump.

So far, it is dead silent, and barely warm to the touch, so it can't be adding much if any heat to the water. Here is a pic:

That is a MAG float in the image, if only I could find the other half... LOL

vincewon · Jul 27, 2012

I've used both

I've used Iwaki's both US and Japan very reliable got 5yrs out of last one without ever having to do any maintnance what so ever. External pumps can be noisy, especially when my one 65 gl reef tank is 2 ft from my bed. other than that it is true they produce less heat. I now use a Mag 7 internal ( Had to use it when the Iwaki went in an emergency and its still being used 2yrs so far cleaned impeller once and clean foam intake once a week). The internal pump is super quiet produces some heat but not enough to be concerned about and is a little cheaper to run. I've changed plans for a tank I'm designing in my basement which flooded once in 12 yrs when batterry back up sump pumps failed( now I'm paranoid). Only got about a foot of water but if I had an external pump and happened to not be home I would of had a major problem. I'm going to be using internal now because it would have to get to be about 2 ft before it effected any eletrical stuff.My basement stays cool all year round tops 78 when heat index is 105 outside so heat is not much of an issue.