Does anyone have any advice on what type of pump is better? I was palnning on doing an external Iwaki for my return. However, If I did an in-sump I could avoid drilling holes in the sump and save on some room under the tank, etc. What are the pros and cons between external and in-sump? I know that in-sumps can transfer heat to the water, but other than that is there a big difference?
__________________ - Eddy
"Corals require an aquarium, seawater at the right temperature and salinity, waterf flow, light, food, bicarbonate/buffer, and calcium. Period. No other equipment, apparatus, magic potions, pills, voodoo, prayer, or other sacrafices are necessary." -Eric Borneman
well they can both transfer heat to the water, its just that the in sump have a tendency to transfer more. i have always ran my pumps in the sump. so i cant speak to external, but i have had good luck with my setup...
sorry, i cant give more specific information, but im sure many people will chime in soon.
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The other issue with in-sump pumps is corrosion. Some pumps (The Mag-Drive pumps in particular) have screws that may rust. Lime and algae can build up on the pump housings too.
Hey Fishcounter...not sure if I understand your question right. Are you asking whether it's better to have a sump in the tank or an external sump? Or are you asking whether it's better to have the return pump sitting within the sump or externally?
IMO, to have an external sump means you're freeing up a lot of real estate in your display tank for corals, etc. Also, the pumps/skimmers/charcoal etc. doesn't always look so nice.
Concerning the pump, I think the aquarium pumps are built so well nowadays that I'm sure rusting isn't an issue.
If you want to avoid drilling holes in your tank, you could also opt for having a hang-on overflow leading down to your sump.
I was just trying to decide if I want to go in sump or external and I wanted to hear about any horror stories from the community of using either one so that I am a little more prepared when I get ready to buy my pump. Thanks for the help all.
__________________ - Eddy
"Corals require an aquarium, seawater at the right temperature and salinity, waterf flow, light, food, bicarbonate/buffer, and calcium. Period. No other equipment, apparatus, magic potions, pills, voodoo, prayer, or other sacrafices are necessary." -Eric Borneman
I have a mag pump- in fact, I have 2 and never had a rust problem with my screws.
I have 2 and haven't had any problems, but there have been reports on one of those other message boards about it. I have had problems with scale build up on them though.
I've been watching this thread for a bit now. I am in the process of planning whether or not I want internal or external pumps for my new sump.
I've been very happy with the Mag Pumps I've had. I did have to file down some silly manufacturing "dimples n pimples" near the magnet and impellor drive, but otherwise, they've been great.
I've been more concerned about leaks, and heat transfer. I've been doing some reading myself and as usual, the answer comes down to 'tank specifics'.
If your tank has heat issues or marginal heat issues, or if you have real estate issues in your sump, then external is the way to go. The chances of leaks or failure seem to be very much like those of internal pumps.
If you don't have heat issues, or problems finding the footprint for an internal pump, then it SEEMS like the way to go. For no other reason but if it does spring a leak, you are still keeping any spillage within the system. The only downfall is if you use pumps that are internally lubricated with oils etc. and that casing cracks. This, according to my "googling" is not all that common.
I'm going to use a Mag 20-something for my return pump and run it internally. I'd like to go lower, but the 'head loss' seems to be a factor for me. I'm pumping water from the basement to the family room on the first floor. Tht is over a 14' rise for me. Therefore, I need some serious pump!
I have run an in-sump pump since i setup my reef tank in jan 2002. Last weekend, I switched to an external pump. The temperature of my tank decreased from 80 to 75 degrees. This will make an enourmous impact in the summer, when I have a huge problem keeping the tank under 83 degrees. After this conversion, I am now a big proponent of external pumps.
Are there leaks, yes, of course, because you are drilling holes in your sump. I sealed those holes properly. your holes in your sump should use bulkheads, this will dramatically decrease any chance of leaks in the future.
As far as head loss, I have a Panworld 55HDX and it has a max head of 11 feet or something like that, which is pretty impressive.
I'd like to go lower, but the 'head loss' seems to be a factor for me. I'm pumping water from the basement to the family room on the first floor.
Yes, I guess the "head loss" issue is definitely why some people opt for external pumps. For my closed-loop manifold, I'm planning on having two external pumps that will be bracketed to the wall at 6' height, so that I don't have to go to a higher wattage pump....trying to save money! :-)
Yes, Cheetos, you're right. They are noisier. But, for me it's less of an issue since we've built a room around the aquarium just for this purpose! :-)
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