Does anyone have suggestions for reducing the noise and vibrations from a return pump? This Mag 24 is driving me nuts.

1. Smaller pump
2. I know my mag has a plastic stand with no suction cups or rubber feet. Put some of those under it, and on the sides if it touches the sides of the tank.
3. Use flexible or semi flexible piping at least coming out of the pump. That can reduce the vibration that carries through the plumbing.

I'm sure many people will tell you, Mags aren't exactly the quietest pumps out there. That being said, I did 2 things to quiet mine down. 1) I zip tied it to a mousepad to dampen vibration agains the bottom of my sump. 2) lines the inside walls of my stand with foam eggcrate matterial (bought a foam mattress topper at Wal-Mart and cut to fit). Between the two, things are pretty quiet in there. A must since the tank is in our den.

I will give that a try Phurst, although a smaller pump would make my life easier. Just to clarify however, you put a standard mousepad in your water? Or, is your pump outside of the tank?

Yep, it's in the sump. It's just a plain foam one though, no printing, no fabric, just a plain no-frills mousepad. From the dollar store, I think. There are sponges and other critters on it, so I don't think it's leaching anything into the water.

I've got a mag for my return pump too. I stuck a kitchen sponge on the bottom of it, made it shut up nicely.

Ah, that's probably a much better option....

I currently have an unused washcloth under mine. Maybe one of those sponges for washing cars (i.e. big sponge) would be good under it. I think a lot of the vibrations are comming up from the pluming too.

I think the sponge might absorb more vibration and would lessen the vibration through the plumbing.

all great ideas. when i was running a mag return ... i cut the return line a little short and when i stuck the mag to it, the pump was suspended in the water so there was NO WAY for it to touch the sump anywhere. this option also puts the weight of the pump on the plumbing in turn reducing vibration as well. HTH

neoprene aka wetsuit material :raining:
same derivative material used in mouse pads.

when i crack natures water redardant surfacant ( the humble cauliflower) i'll let you know of a safer alternative.:tongue2:

all great ideas. when i was running a mag return ... i cut the return line a little short and when i stuck the mag to it, the pump was suspended in the water so there was NO WAY for it to touch the sump anywhere. this option also puts the weight of the pump on the plumbing in turn reducing vibration as well. HTH

OOOOO I like this idea. I think i can make a little hammock for the pump since it is probably too heavy for the PVC to hold up. Hey V, send me one of your wetsuits i can cut up :p

yeah no worries, mid life spread=fat b@st:unsure: ard (b@stard) now, so plenty suits to go around ha ha