[James]

Hey anyone out there using a Mag 7, how noisy are they???
please let me know, and if you know of a quiet external return pump please post. Silence is now the name of the game for me.

[acropora]

As far as quit external return pumps Sequence Reeflo,Dolphin and the new Gen-x are good choices.The Mag7 is rated at 750GPh. I would recommend the new Gen-X PCX-30 which is an external pump that runs at 850 GPH and offers much more head pressure.

http://www.acropora.net/gen_x_pumps.htm

[cubalz]

I can tell you this: Mag Drive pumps are great as an in sump pump, but they are crap externally- the impeller housing is thin and frail and it breaks very easily. The are not recommended for external use, trust me on this.

I am currently using a Gen X MAK 4 pump for my return- it works great, lots of GPH and will probably out live it usefulness but it is extremely LOUD!!!!! In fact, it is probably the loudest pump ever made- you can hear it running all the way in my basement from the 2nd floor. I am planning on selling it on e-bay and buying a quiet pump (read: Sequence)

If you want a great pump with lots of GPH that is quiet you have to be prepared to lay out some serious coin ($260.00 and up) But with a Sequence pump they are completely rebuildable and whisper quiet, so I will be getting one in a couple of weeks.
I have had a ton of pumps and they are all about the same (junk) until you check out some the likes of Sequence and the like.

My 2 cents....

[acropora]

I agree the Sequence is whisper quiet.The new PCX-30 is also a quite pump.Regarding the PCX 40,how do you have it plumbed into your system? I use one on one of my protein skimmers using flexible PVC on the inlet and outlet side and although not nearly as quite as the other pumps I mentioned;it is by no means loud.

[cubalz]

It is plumbed with 3/4" Spa Flex flexible PVC tubing from the sump to the pump and then from the pump to the heater module. Everything else is plumbed with Sch 40 pvc. I have had it checked by 3 different experts in my area and they all agree that I the plumbing is correct- the pump is just too loud.

Originally Posted by acropora

I agree the Sequence is whisper quiet.The new PCX-30 is also a quite pump.Regarding the PCX 40,how do you have it plumbed into your system? I use one on one of my protein skimmers using flexible PVC on the inlet and outlet side and although not nearly as quite as the other pumps I mentioned;it is by no means loud.

[acropora]

Originally Posted by cubalz

It is plumbed with 3/4" Spa Flex flexible PVC tubing from the sump to the pump and then from the pump to the heater module. Everything else is plumbed with Sch 40 pvc. I have had it checked by 3 different experts in my area and they all agree that I the plumbing is correct- the pump is just too loud.

That is the best way to plumb your pump.Without hearing it first hand I can not comment other then to say that the Pump should not be very loud.Is there anyone else nearby who also runs one that you can compare it too?However as we said above the other pumps are whisper quite.
Regards

[James]

[quote=acropora] " That is the best way to plumb your pump".



thank guys

[Elmo18]

Originally Posted by James

Hey anyone out there using a Mag 7, how noisy are they???
please let me know, and if you know of a quiet external return pump please post. Silence is now the name of the game for me.

Hmm I like my Iwasaki line of external pumps. Never tried a GenX, though.

So far, 2 years and reliable. I chose the American motor, but have heard the Japanese motor versions are better.

- Elmo

[Elmo18]

Sorry, i meant IWAKI line of pumps.

- Elmo

[kevinpo]

Both the Mag 7 and the 9.5 are very quiet. They run best when submersed. The Sequence pumps are very nice except the new Stingray model which runs much louder than the 2900 and the 4400 I have that are silent. Iwaki models with the motor fan are a bit loud but the smaller ones are quiet. Dolphin Ampmaster series are also silent but the high pressure/RPM models are loud.

HTH,
Kevin

[acropora]

The sequence "Sting Ray" is a higher pressure pump then the Ampmaster with greater flow at higher head set ups, with dependable seals. It is still a very quite pump. If the extra head pressure is not necesary, then the Sequence "Dart" offers a very good amount of circulation and is a quite and reliable pump that is less expensive.

[Airmotive]

I just added a MAG 9.5 to supplement the flow from my Dolphin Quiet One. A world of difference. I didn't appreciate how quiet the Dolphin was until I added the MAG. Don't get me wrong....the MAG isn't a bucket of marbles...but it has a clearly audible rattle and hum. I wouldn't want it in the bedroom; but in the living room it isn't too bad.

Originally Posted by James

Hey anyone out there using a Mag 7, how noisy are they???
please let me know, and if you know of a quiet external return pump please post. Silence is now the name of the game for me.

[James]

thanks guys for the input. I bought a "Velocity I" external, it is supposed to be the worlds quietest. I'll know on Saturday, when I put my new tank together

[mdrury]

To James:

How did your velocity 1 pump work out for you?

To the rest of the experts:

I have a Iwaki MD-40RLXT that is very loud. I have tried "isolating" it from the stand using carpet padding, but it is still too loud and the constant drone of the pump is finally getting to me.

I am currently running the Iwaki with four loc-line nozzles and four 1200 GPH powerheads or a Red Sea wavemaster pro: sure make the tank look ugly with all that visible. The owner of a lfs recommends the Sequence DART. From the bottom of my stand to the top of my tank 120 Gal. tank is about 5 feet. Will the Sequence, which is rated 3200 GPH @ 3' head be enough for good circulation? And will I be able to remove the powerheads?

Thanks,
Murry

[Reefland]

Murry,

I don't think that any single return pump you use will be adequate flow for your tank. Sure there are pumps that move a lot of water but I wouldn't recommend trying to move more than 1500gph through any well built sump; unless of course it's a 120 gallon sump. I think your best bet for circulation without the equipment in the tank would be a modified closed loop or using reduced equipment, some Tunze Stream pumps.