mag drive safe for external use?

[travis0712]

Some dealers say you can't run magdrives externally if you push saltwater. Is this true? I would like to decrease the heat into my tank and move my pump out of the sump. Or should I just get another pump?

[SeanT]

It depends on the size of the Mag.
The smaller ones do not come with a rubber gasket between the face plate and body so are not suitable for external usage at all.

The larger ones are.
But all in all, Mags are HORRIBLE as return pumps.
Pretty good as feed pumps though.

If you are going to drill your sump (or if it is already drilled) I would suggest running a true external pump.

hth,
Sean

[Peccavi18]

My mag12 leaked I checked the seal and it still leaked. I gave up and went internal with it but it produces some heat (about 4 degrees in aprox 55 gal). Since fall and winter are soon to be here I'll wait till the spring but I will be replacing this pump with a true external one. Other than that it is an excellent pump. -pecc

[jasonstr8up]

Originally posted by Peccavi18
My mag12 leaked I checked the seal and it still leaked. I gave up and went internal with it but it produces some heat (about 4 degrees in aprox 55 gal). Since fall and winter are soon to be here I'll wait till the spring but I will be replacing this pump with a true external one. Other than that it is an excellent pump. -pecc
SAMETHING HERE:furious:

[Entropy]

I have seen the Mag 5 and 7 run external, but I would not risk it. A small leak over a few days can cause a big mess and wipe out your tank. :(

[paulpp187]

i have seen 5,7 9 all external

[Billybeau1]

My mag 5 has been external for about 4 years now. No problems.

[MIKE NY]

<----uses a Mag 2 externally for a booster feed on a cal reactor for over a year with no problems

[SeanT]

Originally posted by MIKE NY
<----uses a Mag 2 externally for a booster feed on a cal reactor for over a year with no problems

Me too, except mine has more salt on it than half the mines in Siberia. ;)