downsizing a mag 18

[maneoxfidelis]

I currently have a mag 18 running my return on my 125. standard aga RR. 100lbs of rock, plenty of flow in the display. mostly sps.
want to downsize(microbubbles) to something maybe 900gph @ 4' of head.
preferably submersible but any suggestions are welcome.

 

[JohnK]

You can always put a ball valve on the output and dial the mag 12 back a bit. It won't hurt the pump as long as the restriction is on the output.

 

[Fish Ace]

I'm no expert but I would check your sump for bubbles being sucked in to the intake of the mag. Even closing the valve some will not completely do it.

 

[maneoxfidelis]

tried that. its not from the skimmer either. I'm getting bubbles in my drains and alot of noise in the overflows. the only thing I can attribute it too is a high turnover rate. I hate rios but mags are powerhogs as well. so I'm thinking I may either suck it up and drill my sump and go external or look into the pentair quiet ones or an eheim?

 

[JohnK]

How do you have the drains set up?

Sometimes a little fine tuning with the duroso's and plumbing can go a long way.

 

[maneoxfidelis]

the drains are pretty standard, its the "megaflow" kit. I have them set fairly high in the overflows to prevent some of the "water running" noise.

 

[alpha0r]

My return empties into a 200 micron sock. It is the only way I have found to stop the bubbles even though I have a bubble trap.