flow through the sump

[Delphinus]

Hmmm, mags *should* be able handle a little bit of pressure. I don't think I would dial it down past half, but it's just perceived as head pressure. They're usually awesome little workhorses. I wonder if you had a bad pump Danny? I've been running my beckett skimmer for like 4 years now on a Mag18. IME Mags usually just go and go and go. I finally threw out a mag 7 after about 10 years of use (I had bought it used in like 1998 or thereabouts) about a year or so ago, but it was because the impeller had developed a wobble, and basically had ground out the bearing hole. Ie. I couldn't just get a new impeller as the hole for the impeller shaft actually became oval.

[danny zubot]

I wonder if you had a bad pump Danny?

It very well could have been a bad pump. I was glad to get rid of it though, they aren't the most energy efficient pumps out there.

[Delphinus]

No, indeed, nor very quiet for that matter. I was trying a mag5 in my FW tank (upstairs near my TV) and the hum coming from the tank/stand was intolerably loud. I ended up having to switch it out for a Sedra pump (still not 100% better but at least it's possible to hear the TV over it!)

[danny zubot]

Thats why my tank got banished to the basement.