[almostdiva]

Folks,

(Esp those of you who have been doing this LOTS longer than I have.... )

I admit, as a female, the part of this hobby that I "get" the least and need to ask the most about is PLUMBING!

Here's my deal.

I have a 3.5 year old Mag 7 pump on my 55g at present. I have an in-tank overflow (yes, I know I should have had the tank drilled, but I didn't know that when I started). My mag is housed in a converted wet/dry that acts as a sum -- there is about 25 lbs of live rock an sand in what used to be the bioball chamber, and the pump is in the other part. I think my pump is going -- my waterflow from the output is definitely off. It's not a steady stream any longer, I occasionally get bubbles (sometimes large ones). I have taken the pump apart and cleaned it thoroughly with a bristle brush and checked all my hose connections.

First question: is my pump on the way out, or am I overlooking something?

Second question: If it is going, what are my options for replacement -- I know the overflow box won't handle more than what 600 GPH?

Thanks very much as always...

Rebecca

[Reefland]

If the pump is 3.5 years ond and you have tried to clean it thoroughly, I would just go ahead and pick up a new pump. Personally, I like the MAG pumps for small internal pumps so get a nother MAG 7.

[afishybusiness]

You're return line could be clogged up. Try taking it outside and blasting through it with you garden hose to see if anything comes out. You could even pour some plain bleach through it to loosen up anything inside (of course, you want to make extra sure that ALL of the bleach is gone before putting it back on your tank). Really, there is little that could be wrong with your pump. You may just try replacing the impeller ($30 instead of $100+). Just some thoughts...

[Poseidon]

If the output is not clogged then yes I would get another pump... MAG 9 perhaps? Then you could plumb it to have an extra output for when you do water changes... a simple T and a couple ball valves and WALLA! Instant water removal!

[orion25]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

If the output is not clogged then yes I would get another pump... MAG 9 perhaps?

I think the Mag 7 and Mag 9 have different sized outputs. I could be weong though. Would require more "advanced" plumbing to put a 9 in. Not just a simple plug and play.

[Reefland]

Thats correct. The MAG 7 is 1/2" in and out and the MAG 9 is 3/4" in and out.

[pavesi]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/...tegory_id=3855

If you need a new Mag pump, these guys are the cheapest I've found
out there.. For the cost of a new impeller and the time/hassle involved,
cheaper to just buy a new unit..