Trying to avoid a pump in the tank.

Chano · #1 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 12:51 PM

I started ordering today as i finished up my plans and am ready to start construction. . .almost. I was going to go with the minijet 606 for a pump but i noticed while preparing to order the input is behind a grate that is part of the body. This is no good to me because that means i will need to have a pump in the tank which is what i want to avoid (for the maintenence issues involved). I was looking at the maxijet 600 and that has the ability to take a line on input and output which is great but no flow adjustment. Which is bad because i doubt my frogs will be into white water rafting. Any reccomendations?

Obliv79 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 02:32 PM

maybe its too early and im not completely awake yet, but your question doesn't seem clear.

UmbraSprite · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 02:34 PM

I was interested in the idea of an external pump as well...and I am sure someone will pipe in with a recommendation.

In the end I just built my tank with easy access to the pump via a designated position in the background which the frogs do not have access to. I have seen other people do something similar in the substrate and then use a hollow rock or a piece of wood to hide the pump.

I have had mini-jets running for over a year so far without any need for maintenance. If I did need to pull the pump I just yank it by the cord and it comes right out.

I am sure you will get a more elegant answer soon!

Chris

Chano · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obliv79

maybe its too early and im not completely awake yet, but your question doesn't seem clear.

I am asking if there is good pump that i can use externally rather than internaly, as the minijet cannot have an intake line and needs to be submerged in the tank.

MJ · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 03:45 PM

Moved this over here :wink:

Have a look at this thread http://www.dendroboard.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=33709[/i][/code]

Obliv79 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 03:58 PM

oh sorry everything seems foggy in the morning before that first cup of coffee. Anyways I just use the internals. You could design a nice easy pumphouse setup assuming your taking the false bottom route. I used the hollowed out tree bark reptile hides and cut out a hole in the front for the water flow and eggcrated the top with some moss that makes it easy to get to in case of malfunctions or need to syphon water. Just an idea best of luck

melas · #7 (**permalink**) 11-26-2007, 03:04 AM

the aqualifter looks like a good bet if you want a pump that will actually pull the water out of your tank and then push it back in. I've used the Maxijets before for carbon reactors etc on my reef tank. I don't think they will work the way you are thinking. Restricting the input causes cavitation in impeller-driven pumps thus causing premature failure. Also the available head on your return would be severly reduced as well. You could drill the tank to build a sump. Sumps rely on gravity to fill a tank below the water line in the terrarium. The pump is placed in the sump where it is unrestricted to draw water and pump it back into the tank. Or you could look at dosing (peristaltic) pumps as they do not utilize impellers.

Tasiamay · #8 (**permalink**) 11-26-2007, 02:26 PM

Depending upon how much flow you want, you have a couple options.

If you want just a "drip" type flow, the Tom Aquarium Aqua Lifter Pump works great. I've got this on an 12x18x18 Exo Terra and it works fabulously (see above link).

If you want more flow you can go with a Mag-Drive 2 (250 gph) and get a 1/2" threaded bulk head to adjust how much flow you want. Mag's are great and can be used interally or externally.

Bulkhead Link - http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... valve&Np=1

Mag-Drive 2 Pump Link - http://www.reeftanksupply.com/product_i ... cts_id=248