Pumps for aqua-c Ev-120 w/sump what size?

[j_v_z]

hey all, i have a aqua-c Ev-120, a 55g tank, a 30g sump and need another pump. does one of the pumps have to be lesser than a mag 7? like a mag 5? or what? i havent set anything up yet, but need some help. please pm me info, i may not be able to track this thread down again tomorrow when ill only have a few mins to check. thanks again all in advance for any help you can provide.
-Justin

[wpar]

Here's a link to a thorough discussion of setting up the EV series skimmers:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=594995

The people that are happy with your skimmer all seem to "overpower" it with larger than manufacturer recommended pumps. For the 120, most seem to use the Eheim 1260.

Bill

[j_v_z]

well ive had a couple pm's will 2 mag 7's work? or should i sell the mag 7 i have and get 2 mag 5's? one to run protein skimmer, the other for the return pump? you do need 2 pumps correct? thanks

[justinm0424]

I use a mag 7 on my 120. The only problem with it is i have to keep the gate wide open and cutoff half the air. Aquac recomends a mag 5 for the 120.

[TrojanScott]

I have an EV150, and used to use a Mag 7 on it. I switched to an Eheim 1262, and the difference is night and day.

Your Mag 7 will work, but I'd recommend the Eheim 1260 as wpar suggested. It has more flow and will make a big difference.

[drives300]

i started out with a mag 7 then when I changed to a mag 5 and the mag 7 was noticably better so i went back.

[sjm817]

Eheim pumps handle head pressure a heck of a lot better than Mags. No surprise that they would work better for an injection skimmer.

[j_v_z]

okay, so heres my question, will i be okay with a mag 7 as return and mag 7 as skimmer pump?

[wpar]

Yes, a Mag 7 will work as a return pump. You haven't given any info on tank size and head loss to say if it's best for your application.

The Mag 7 will also work with the EV120. As stated above, the Eheim 1260 is the ideal, but if you already have the Mag 7, use it. Do not use a Mag 5 with this skimmer. Read the first half of the thread I cited above. The people that are really happy with their EV skimmers are overpowering them - gate valve wide open and adjusting with the air valve. In the thread, the people unhappy with their 120's were using the Mag 5.

Bill

[wpar]

Okay, now I see your tank info :o . Many people try to get 3 to 5X flow through their sump. The Mag 5 might be a better choice for the return.

Bill

[sjm817]

One nice thing about Mag pumps is you can convert one to the other. You can convert Mag5/7 with just an impeller swap.