What is a good pump for calcium reactor?

[Roamer]

I am thinking about building a calcium reactor for my 240 gallon reef tank. I am looking at building a two stage design using a 6" X 24" primary chamber and a 4.5" X 24" secondary stage for the effluent. I could also make the reactor square, but about the same volumn as the round design.

One question I still have is what is the best pump for a calcium reactor of this size? I want a very reliable pump (especially considering what we are pumping) that is not overkill. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[SeanT]

My Mreef is about that size and I use (and Myreef suggests) a Mag-2.

[loc01]

I use Iwaki md20rlt and love it. It's reliable,quiet,and can handle so much back pressure.
LOC

[SurferStevo]

Originally posted by SeanT
My Mreef is about that size and I use (and Myreef suggests) a Mag-2.
Ditto, for me. :)

[AcroSteve]

Originally posted by loc01
I use Iwaki md20rlt and love it. It's reliable,quiet,and can handle so much back pressure.
LOC

What is the "footprint" of the MD20RLT?

Thanks

[Mr_Quality]

Mag-2.

[skipm]

Several of the commercial models use Eheims, they are reputed as being very reliable pumps.

[dattack]

Mags are horrible. I have tried 2 of them for a calcium reactor and eventually they all leak.

I would look into a small external pump or an eheim.

[SeanT]

Originally posted by dattack
Mags are horrible.
I disagree with this statement.
I have 3 running and have owned two others (which I sold as I upgraded) and have never had a single problem with one.

[nofilter]

mine is an eheim 1250. it works well.

[loc01]

Foot print for md 20rlt is 7" x 3"
LOC

[loc01]

Another one

[kgross]

Mags are good little inexpensive pumps but they do seem to start leaking at some time in thier life. In my opinion the best pumps would be an ehiem, the 1250 is a great little pump for a reactor.

Kim

[StirCrazy]

mag2 for small, larger mag for big one.. I run a mag 5 on mine.

Steve

[AcroSteve]

What about a velocity T2?

DJ88 reactor.

[boogs]

I'd use a mag 3 if money was an issue (the iwaki if it's not).

Mag's can leak eventually but like many pumps, replacing the o-ring fixes the problem - especially if you use a slightly thicker one.

Scott

[mgk65]

I must say that I've used several Mag 2 pumps and they eventually will crack and leak. I've have two pumps and have needed three new impeller covers. :(

For similar applications, I've been using the Dolphin DP-385 pump.

mgk

[Roamer]

Thanks for the replys guys. It looks like I will go with the Enhiem or the Dolphin when I build my calc reactor. And I now have a much better idea what size pump I will need.