[Samper]

The time has come to add a sump to my nano. I know that a gravity feed is the best however it's not possible in my situation. I'm gonna incorporate another tank into the system it's volume to be determined. It will be on the floor and I'll use it to hold extra LR and macro algaes. I'm gonna paint the bottom quarter of the tank black and put an 8" fine particle SB in it. I have some plexiglass that I'm gonna use as a baffle at one end to put my return pump in. The water will have to be pumped up about 4-5' and through a pvc pipe that will be around 6' total since the fuge won't be right under the display. I'm gonna t the pvc off and have another return back into the refugium with a ball valve on it so that I can adjust the flow going to the display without limiting the amount of water the pump is pushing. I'm gonna run the pvc up and over rear of the tank and drop it down so that the return water is blowing across my BB. 3 90 degree bends will have to be in this pipe and another one coming from the T returning to the fuge. I'm looking for a good submersible pump with enough flow to keep the crap in suspension and any suggestions you might have for this project. I think a Mag 3 would do nicely but am not sure since I'm working with a 20g with plenty of flow already.

[Samper]

I've seen little giant pumps recommended in a few forums and I found some today in a local pond store. The pumps say they are for pond use so I assume that it won't do very well in saltwater. Is this correct? The price is awesome on them and I'll pick one up if I can use it.

[Reefland]

Samper,

There are mentions that the Little Giant pumps are noisy so you might avoid them. Also on the return line make sure that you drill some anti-siphon holes just below the water line so it will not drain the tank. For an inexpensive return pump, go with a MAG 7.

[Samper]

Good thinking on the siphon holes...that may come in handy.
I'll check out the mag 7's but that would be a ton of flow with the addition of my 4 MJ 1200's. If I had to direct a lot of that water back to the refugium wouldn't that be a waste of power?

[Reefland]

I think the power is pretty negligible when you look at the difference between a 3 and a 7. Besides with 6-7' of head, your gonna cut the output from the MAG 7 tremendously, probably down to 400gph or so.

[Samper]

alright I'll start lookin around for one.

Anyone have a used one that works good?