Substitute external protein skimmer pumps

[hybridazn]

So I'm looking to replace eventually the 2 recirculating pumps on my external Geo's Reef skimmer. What pumps should I be looking at? I want to say money isn't an object but it kind of is at the moment haha. So if there is a good buy I am all for it. Also being a quiet pump is a plus.

So far I've seen mag drives but they aren't the most energy efficient, and ehiem would be nice but I'm not sure what impeller or exact model pump to order. I know reef dynamics has them listed but $300 for a pump seems a bit much.

Any leads is greatly appreciated!

 

[hybridazn]

Bump for the morning crew

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm not familiar with the skimmer, but I'd be looking at DC pumps to see if they'd fit. Even if you have to get greater flow pump, they are adjustable.....and quiet, and low energy.

 

[hybridazn]

I'm not familiar with the skimmer, but I'd be looking at DC pumps to see if they'd fit. Even if you have to get greater flow pump, they are adjustable.....and quiet, and low energy.

I would like that, but I would need one with a infractioning or needle wheel impeller. Or would a standard impeller with a venturi produce enough fine bubbles?

As for the skimmer in question

here is a pic

 

[hybridazn]

Anyone have experience with the sicce psk 2500? Almost seems too good to be trusted esp for the price lol

http://www.sharkandreef.com/sicce-syncra-psk2500-protein-skimmer-pump/

 

[mcarroll]

Just an idea:

@rvitko from Tunze can probably help you fit the correct model of Tunze Hydrofoamer.

Do you know any stats from the pump that came off the skimmer? Watts? Air flow? Water flow?

 

[hybridazn]

It ran twin gx-4100 pumps. As for numbers I can't honestly tell you what they were. I am running a sedra 5000 impeller in them and they are running fine. They are noisy and I don't like it very much lol

I did consider the tunze. I will email Rodger and see what he has to say.

 

[reef_junkie]

Anyone have experience with the sicce psk 2500? Almost seems too good to be trusted esp for the price lol

http://www.sharkandreef.com/sicce-syncra-psk2500-protein-skimmer-pump/

Not that model, I have the psk1000. Great little pump. It runs my skimmer and they are beast pumps.

 

[mcarroll]

You can get Sedra's for not too much cash, so that's worth considering, but this thread combined with what you've said has me a bit twisted on which model you'd pick. I think personally I'd hit up Tunze for a recommendation....I'm sure they'll at least need the dimensions for your skimmer.

 

[hybridazn]

Not that model, I have the psk1000. Great little pump. It runs my skimmer and they are beast pumps.

Thanks! I've heard good things with the sicce pumps, I'm going to talk to tunze about their options, but it between the sicce and tunze I think.

Any others to look at?

 

[reef_junkie]

For size the psk pumps are hard to compare to other pumps. They are very compact and that's the reason you see them used in skimmers with internal pump setups. Sedras are good too, ive used the 5000 and the 15000, good pumps, hardy, loud but long lasting. They're on the super jumbo size though. I know that RO is now using Bubble Blasters, they're much more expensive and that's all I know. Haven't used one yet.

 

[hybridazn]

You can get Sedra's for not too much cash, so that's worth considering, but this thread combined with what you've said has me a bit twisted on which model you'd pick. I think personally I'd hit up Tunze for a recommendation....I'm sure they'll at least need the dimensions for your skimmer.

I thought that too, I put one sedra 5000 on the other side of the skimmer to compare pumps and it's noticeably quieter than the gx-4100 but it's still louder than I would like for a external pump.

I just found a stat that says the stock gx-4100 is a 1080gph pump, but uses the same dimension impeller as a sedra 5000 (500gph) so that's a little strange.

 

[reef_junkie]

Sedra is a large output. 3/4 or 1" can't remember. So the lack in gph makes sense.

 

[hybridazn]

For size the psk pumps are hard to compare to other pumps. They are very compact and that's the reason you see them used in skimmers with internal pump setups. Sedras are good too, ive used the 5000 and the 15000, good pumps, hardy, loud but long lasting. They're on the super jumbo size though. I know that RO is now using Bubble Blasters, they're much more expensive and that's all I know. Haven't used one yet.

Thank you for that!

 

[hybridazn]

Sedra is a large output. 3/4 or 1" can't remember. So the lack in gph makes sense.

The 5000 is 1"

 

[hybridazn]

You can get Sedra's for not too much cash, so that's worth considering, but this thread combined with what you've said has me a bit twisted on which model you'd pick. I think personally I'd hit up Tunze for a recommendation....I'm sure they'll at least need the dimensions for your skimmer.

The link posted suggested a ehiem 1262 (which would be awesome) but would the impeller need to be modded or will it be ok with the venturi?

 

[mcarroll]

I'd guess that the venturi would work OK if you can make it fit. (Both could have the same threads.)

If you can't get one with a needle wheel impeller I would find one already modded or look at a different pump like the Sedra, Tunze or Sicce. The 1262 is too expensive for guesswork IMO.

You might scroll down on this page at saltycritter and check out their selection of skimmer pumps. It seems as complete a selection as anyone's I've seen, but does not include the Mag 5's I've seen sold with needlewheel's and venturi's. Google and you should be able to find them too....not sure if other sizes are out there.

 

[mcarroll]

I just found a stat that says the stock gx-4100 is a 1080gph pump, but uses the same dimension impeller as a sedra 5000 (500gph) so that's a little strange.

Seems like the dedicated skimmer pumps have oversized impeller chambers (volute?)...since the Sedra is not a skimmer pump by design maybe a smaller impeller is similar to having a larger chamber?

I'm speculating tho....