How is it loud? What type of PVC are you using? (sorry, haven't read the whole thread, maybe you already said). The reason I ask is because, some people use spa flex PVC to connect their return/closed-loop pumps so that it absorbs some of the rattle or chatter. Additionally, maybe you could put the pump on some neoprene or something to absorb the noise? Line the stand with something (carpet? too ghetto?) to absorb more noise?

Its Flex PVC already and I have a few layers carpet Underpad under the pump. Its quite loud. Loud enough that watching TV with it on is annoying. The floor under the stand is vibrating and Im sure would **** off the people downstaris eventually...It ****ed me off after about 10 minutes.

I may try some of your suggestions but I think we may get rid of the pump all together and go back to powerheads. Im not sure though what I would do with the bulkheads though...I guess just plug them???

WOW. My Mag18 is pretty quiet acctually. Much quieter than I had thought it was going to be. You must have sensitive ears LOL

Did it get quieter after using it for a while? Mine was bought used and is a few years old, maybe thats the problem. Whatever the reason, we have decided we HAVE to replace all the pumps or else just scrap the project. I think we have decided though to just go back to powerheads and forget the closed loop. Its the biggest problem. Hopefully it will all work out.

At the start people where commenting on the monster pump and you posted quiet. Realize now it's plumbed but what's really changed, how where you running it on the test, what was it sitting on, was the fan pointing the other way, etc?

If you can't get it quieted down don't abandon your plumbing but look into what might drop in it's place. I've got a Dart (same make, sort of) and a close fit (2" in, 1.5" out). It's not whisper quiet but can guarantee way more quiet than yours. There's also the Snapper.

Quote from a marinedepot page "Quiet Sequence pumps installed near areas of relaxation and entertainment generate minimal noise levels For example, the 1/4 H.P. unit has 52 dB noise level at 10`. A normal conversation is 60 dB for reference." And the Dart is 1/8HP.

If you can try to hear one though first. I offered a reefer in Edm to come over and hear mine, I sure someone in Van would do the same.

It did seem quiet when I ran it in my bathtub with some old plumbing I had. It was on the floor there. I have no idea why its SO loud now. One of the biggest problems is how much it vibrates in the stand and all the way to the floor. I can feel it from across the room! Regardeless of what we do, it will be without this pump and most likely with powerheads instead of a closed loop. Ive pretty much had it with this build and just want to enjoy a tank!

I have followed this thread from the beggining, as the tank that I wanted is very simalar, it has been interesting to follow the planning and progression of the tank. Hope that you find something that works for you. Hopefully I have better luck with my plumbing / equipemnt (next week!) then you have had.

I hope you have better luck too!

Well I got the pump a lot quieter with carpet under it but I still think I may go with powerheads instead. If I can sell the pump in the next week, I will grab a few Tunze Stream 6080's. Im still glad I tried to closed loop because I have never built one but with such a shallow tank, its really not working too well.

For now, we have decided just use a few Koralia 4's for flow until next year when I will upgrade to Tunzes. We already have one Koralia 4 and a Seio 1100 to use and will add another Koralia 4. That along with the Mag 18 return, should be enough flow. This way my fiance get the sand she wanted too! I think I can hide most of the powerheads behind the very tall rock pillars, so it will not be so bad. You could see all the closed loop outlets anyways and they stood out pretty bad, so a few powerheads will not make any difference. I would buy the Tunzes now but it was working out to be about $1000 and we are going on vacation soon...not a good time! I think I will buy them in the New Year when we get back. Darn Canadian dollar is screwing things up too (I get paid in US dollars). Anyways, I will set it all up by tonight and finally should have the LR in the tank! YAY!

So I capped the Bulkheads from the closed loop and will be using powerheads like I said above. I ended up deciding to buy two of the mods kits for Maxi Jet 1200's making them 1600 GPH and they are quite impressive now. I also bought 2 Koralia 3's. I thought the 4's were WAY to big and would be a huge eyesore. The 3's are much smaller and along with the Modded Maxijets and mag 18 return, will be more than enough flow. Although I would have like to keep the closed loop, this has turned out very good I think. You will see 2 powerheads near the top of the tank and the others are hidden. I think I will keep the maxijets in sight since they are even smaller than the Koralias.

If anyone is interested, I will post pics. Most of the LR pillars are also done and looking pretty good. The first 2 reach right to the top of the water. It creates a pretty cool look.