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Help me choose a pump for my build (2 Viewers)

Internal or external pump?

  • Internal

    Votes: 2 100.0%
  • External

    Votes: 0 0.0%

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    2
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steveb

steveb

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I bought a Jebao 3500 for my 90 gallon (thanks again Steve!) to use as a stand-in until I could afford something better. I found however that it does a pretty good job on it's own. I like the idea of running two pumps but I think I'm going to have two pumps plumbed but only one run full time. I'm going to use the APEX to control the other pump as a backup. My other choice is going to be the Reef Octopus Varios 6 but I haven't decided yet which one will be the primary and which will be the backup.

@fogcutter Your welcome!

Did you end up going to (Africa I think...)?
 
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steveb

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So I think I'm down to trying to decide between 2x Varios or 2x Laguna NextGen MaxFlo's... Cost wise the Laguna's are better, don't have variable speed but honestly I'm not sure what variable speed buys me. The models I'm looking at are w/in 10 watts of each other. I assume maybe the Varios would add less heat to the water being DC but have no proof of that and of course they would work with my APEX (variable speed ports).

I dunno its a hard decision. Or just go with one larger model with a T off to the UV and chiller.
 
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steveb

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Here’s the actual pump Steve-about the same size as mag without the heat issue and quiet


576fe96b9987d4c32122ae9861ba2b68.jpg

@RR-MAN do these pumps have a threaded connection or just the snap with a hose barb?
 

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@RR-MAN do these pumps have a threaded connection or just the snap with a hose barb?

Its not threaded- I heated a short length of spa flex pvc and shoved it in snap on hose barb which comes with the pump [for the sake of pump maintenance once a year] and then hard plumbed the rest of the return with a coupling.

e8a0ffd010c62329b435e9bbf756762e.jpg
 
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steveb

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Ok cool. I think I’m going to go with the 2900 and T it off 1/2 to UV & chiller dump in tank and 1/2 straight shot into tank on other side.

Probably put gate valves on each to balance flow.


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Ok cool. I think I’m going to go with the 2900 and T it off 1/2 to UV & chiller dump in tank and 1/2 straight shot into tank on other side.

Probably put gate valves on each to balance flow.


Yeah gate valve great idea - pump is powerful plus you can control the flow to each item.
 
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steveb

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I went with the Laguna Max Flow 2900. I almost chose varios 6 or 8 but just couldn't see paying the premium for speed control and DC. Even though I think it would be cool to tie my apex in with it. I thought about two smaller pumps and I like the idea but in the end I still have several thinks I need to buy and well you know. It all adds up.
 
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steveb

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Yeah it’s 2900 at 0’. I’m going to T it off to feed UV & Chiller + the return. I figure it will be 1200 gph by the time it’s all said and done.


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@RR-MAN

You have any issues with pump wanting to tip forward?

I took it out of the cage and it looks like it may be designed to take a stand but can’t find a part#.

Also are you using any kind of intake strainer?

6d20fae2d8c59178a5344023638c0498.jpg




I also found a click fit 1.5” threaded adapter.

8f6f3d611149e63d792ef363ce9de76f.jpg



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It should not tip once you plumb it-mine is sitting perfectly straight.
 

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Steve,
The pump housing looks typical but the impeller is a beast:
 

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