Whats the difference between aquarium water pumps from other water pumps?

[Stingray12]

I needed a mag drive 7 to go along with my mag drive 5 for my return in my wetdry filter. I didnt have that amount of money to spend atm so I went into petsmart and found a replacement pond pump that pushes 750 gph, it has almost the same specs as the mag drive, the only difference I can see is the pond pump has a plastic casing while the magdrive has a metal casing. the pond pump only costs $30 and it is working fine.


So is there any difference what so ever between the expensive aquarium pumps to pond pumps or other water pumps?

 

[mike1352]

Probably not, but if it's not plugged into a quick blow power strip then you should do it. That way incase any short happens it will blow the power strip rather than cause a fire or any electical problem. If it works fine, but remeber it's still not the sameone.

 

[metalyx]

I've often had the same thoughts. Why not run down to the local Ace and pick up a 1050gph sump pump from the plumbing department for $100 over what we usually do pay? Will the salt cause impeller probs? Why do we not do this? I'm curious to see who's tried and who has not tried this approach. Keep this gravy train rolling.

 

[agreeive?fish]

A lot of regular pumps have a couple problems when it comes to fish tanks in that they donot have sealed bearings and the lubricants can contaminate the water if you use a regular pump for fish tanks make sure it is potable water safe... and then pond pumps (fresh water pumps) and regular pumps can and do have materials that are not good in satlwater but are fine in fresh water such as screwws made from materials that saltwater will corode

 

[Stingray12]

i have a pond pump in my wetdry and its all plastic, should be fine in sw.

 

[invisyblegypsey]

I needed a mag drive 7 to go along with my mag drive 5 for my return in my wetdry filter. I didnt have that amount of money to spend atm so I went into petsmart and found a replacement pond pump that pushes 750 gph, it has almost the same specs as the mag drive, the only difference I can see is the pond pump has a plastic casing while the magdrive has a metal casing. the pond pump only costs $30 and it is working fine.


So is there any difference what so ever between the expensive aquarium pumps to pond pumps or other water pumps?

magdrive pumps also have a polycarbonate case it's just gun metal grey. the cheaper pump will be fine but you will notice over time it will be less efficiant. pic up anuther magdrive in the future for a spare . i run 4 mag 24's on my system and keep a backup. cant go wrong with a mag.