Water Pumps

Ok, im looking for a water pump to help with water changes.
I want something that will pump water out and pump water in.
I was wondering what the Max Head on the item descriptions mean?
Does this mean how high it will pump or ???

 

I use a Rio 1700 because I already had one. For a long time I used a 200 GPH pump that took forever. How big of a tank?
I don't feel like forking over the money for a bigger pump but I would recommend getting the biggest that's practical for you. Water changes could take me up to an hour with my old slow pump. Those GPH ratings don't take into account the height that it's pumping to.
Anyway I would recommend a Rio pump for that. They have good ratings and are cheap.

 

I would say the rio or a maxi-jet. Just any cheap pump with flex tubing and a ball valve will do the job.

 

I use what is basically a maxi-jet, except i got it at walmart for like 17 dollars. then i just got some flex tubing. It works perfectly

 

The max head is the height of your hose outlet above the pump when it can no longer pump. Pumps usually specify so many gph at different head heights.

 

ok thanks

 

Remember though, as head or height increases flow decreases. If it says 900 GPH and 12 feet of head that means it pumps 900 GPH at ground level and nothing at 12 feet with maybe 400 GPH at 6 feet. All larger pumps come with a printed pump curve which shows the flow at various heads which you can use to size a pump.

 

Yeah. most of those really weak pumps like a 200GPH don't even have a chart for 6 feet.
Which is about what I need the hose to go to. Marine depot has those charts for the more powerful Rios.
Taam Rio (Rio+) Powerhead/Pump
My Rio 1700 642 GPH pump only gives 180 GPH at 6'.

 

I use a MJ1200 powerhead and some clear tubing myself for most water changes and cleaning duties. Maybe once a year I drain the sump with the MJ then use a shop vac to get the grunge out.