Using canister as return pump..

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
J

jbnebres

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 3, 2008
391
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NE of Asian Arowana F
Is a Magnum 350 strong and resilient enough to be used as a return pump for wet/dry?
Are there any concerns to using such a setup rather than a water pump/powerhead for return?
(Height from canister to top of tank is 3 ft)
Thanks for any feedback.
 
Normally, you have gravity helping take water down the intake into the canister which helps push the water back up. This is why the water level in the hoses will equalize when you unplug (or initially prime) it. I don't think it would hurt the pump to have it move water back up, but I think you'll lose a lot of flow because it's not meant to lift and push water back to the tank.

I've never tried it, so I could be wrong, but it's something to take into consideration.
 
rallysman;2098837; said:
Normally, you have gravity helping take water down the intake into the canister which helps push the water back up. This is why the water level in the hoses will equalize when you unplug (or initially prime) it. I don't think it would hurt the pump to have it move water back up, but I think you'll lose a lot of flow because it's not meant to lift and push water back to the tank.

I've never tried it, so I could be wrong, but it's something to take into consideration.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response. I have to re-evaluate the setup over to make it as efficient as possible.
 
it is a 75 gallon. i think the bulkhead hole from overflow is 1 3/4", maybe a lil bigger. What pump brands are the most energy efficient? I'm have a 350 penguin hob on now, and would like to get away from the clutter of hob. Thanks for the replies.
 
If you are worried about the pump not keeping up with your overflow, put a ball valve on the overflow. That way you can dial in the flow to exactly what your pump will be returning.
 
carcrazy;2099292; said:
If you are worried about the pump not keeping up with your overflow, put a ball valve on the overflow. That way you can dial in the flow to exactly what your pump will be returning.
Click to expand...

The pump is only a problem if your overflow can't keep up with it. You have it backwards. If the pump is too powerful then you can use a ball valve to reduce it's flow. You should never have to reduce the flow of an overflow.

When you try to match your overflow to your pump you're asking for problems. The overflow should always be capable of flowing more water than the pump can return.
 
rallysman;2099336; said:
The pump is only a problem if your overflow can't keep up with it. You have it backwards. If the pump is too powerful then you can use a ball valve to reduce it's flow. You should never have to reduce the flow of an overflow.

When you try to match your overflow to your pump you're asking for problems. The overflow should always be capable of flowing more water than the pump can return.
Click to expand...
:iagree:
 
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