sump return pump help

[cali~budfish]

ok so i have a 210 gallon tank in my house that i need to get going. i have a sealife wet/dry sump model 400 and working with 4 1/2 feet of head. my question is what is better an external pump at about 2000gph or two 1000 gph pumps and would submersible be better/ cheaper? and any thoughts on pump models would be great! so far a rio 26 hf or a pan world pump is the direction i've been leaning towards....please help!

 

[frnchjeep]

When you submerge a pump, it helps heat the water. If you are running heaters, they will run less. You would be getting more for your money with a submerged pump. If you have natives or cold water fish, it could be counterproductive, and an external pump would vent the heat into the air instead of the water.

 

[ICHIBAN TROPICAL FISH]

you need to put 2x300watt head in bottom of the sump , mag drive 18 will work fine for that tank

 

[Danger_Chicken]

you need to put 2x300watt head in bottom of the sump , mag drive 18 will work fine for that tank

if the room isn't cold (like a garage or unfinished basement) the mag 18 will heat the tank by itself. I have a 950 on my 220 and it keeps the water 79-80. I had a 2400 on it and it kept the tank at 85-86.

 

[cali~budfish]

Good info so far, I plan on having central american cichlids for the most part. I was wondering if one pump was enough. I've read two is good in case one goes out. Plus these things are expensive! Just lookin to turnover 10x and do it for a reasonable price and right. Any ideas welcome and thanks for the help.