[Seveneves]

I've got a 75e with a 29e sump. I'm using a Mag Drive 9.5 (less than 1mo. old) in sump with 4ft head. The pump makes a constant LOUD humming noise. I expected a little noise but this sounds like it's going to vibrate the glass to the shatter point. I tried cutting back the flow via a ball valve on the return line, which helped a little but not enough. Air bubbles are getting into the main display through the pump and I wasn't sure if this was causing the problem. Any suggestions on how to fix a noisy MagDrive or what might cause it to make this noise?

[Reefland]

A noisy pump can be caused from several individual things or a combination of a lot of little things.

First of all, make sure your return pump is not resting against the glass in your sump; bottom or the side walls. Secondly is to make sure it's good and clean often; small little pieces of rock can get trapped by the impellar and cause some racket. Bubbles can cause a problem with noise but only if there are a lot of bubbles (baffles will help reduce that).

[Seveneves]

What can I make to keep the pump off the bottom or side of the glass? Would egg crate work?

[Reefland]

The egg crate might transfer the vibration as well. I would try to find some think padding of some kind, a piece of spnge or something. If I recall correctly, our MAG 18 came with a piece of padding?

[Seveneves]

The sponge idea sounds good. That's definitely a better idea than the packing peanut in a bag idea I had. I figured I'd test it brfore putting it in the sump, and it's a good thing I did, did you know those things completely disolve in water.
I ordered this 9.5 through MarineDepot and it was just the pump in the box nothing else. When I ordered a skimmer from em' though it came with a Mag 5 and it did have a prefilter and a plastic stand/absorber attached to the bottom of it. I'm thinking I may just order a lower power water pump for the sump up lift since it may just be this 9.5's normal operating noise. It's just way to loud for the living room.
Thanks for the help Reefland

[Reefland]

Hi Seveneves,

I notice in your signature your listing the use of a Canister Filter and a HOT Emperor, yet your using a nice skimmer and obviously some liverock. You might consider removing the canister and Emperor to save some electricity.

[stang69]

Mouse pad will cut the vibration too



Jeff