Marine pumps are available in a range of sizes and design for different functions and are design to resist corrosion from salt water. Selecting the right pump for your marine aquarium is important to ensure the correct operation equipment and to ensure the continuous flow of water through the whole system.
Pressure pumps are designed to pump water into equipment such as protein skimmers or in-line pressure filters. They are capable of pumping water at high pressure allowing them to work against any resistance provided by equipment.
Circulation pumps are designed to pump water at a lower pressure and are intended for use in a free flow environment such as direct returns or wet/dry filters. Circulation pumps are the most commonly used pumps for circulating water from a sump to water jets. The flow rate is much higher on circulation pumps but the force is much lower.
When selecting a pump for marine use the optimum tank "Turnover Rate" should be approximately 3 to 4 times the tanks volume per hour. Most pump manufactures state the “open” flow rate of a pump. To approximate a pumps flow performance rate in closed systems, subtract 25% from the pumps maximum rated flow to compensate for filter and plumbing restriction. When using an external pump take into consideration the height difference from the water level in the sump to the water level in the tank and refer to the pumps flow data.
Always refer to the manufactures instructions when installing a pump and ensure all guidelines are followed.
