Mag 5 question

legalreefer

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I am about to get a used Mag 5 return pump from a fellow member. I have gotten all the pieces for my new DIY sump. I am just in need of the return pump and plumbing. What do you use to connect the pump to PVC? Can you glue PVC directly to it, or do you have to use something threaded? What size PVC/tubing also?
 
It takes a standard threaded 3/4" pvc female fitting. The male part of the pump is threaded so you just twist it on. You can then run rigid pvc as your return, or as most do, get a barb connector and run vinyl tubing from the pumpto wherever you are pumping to.

Some places even have barb fittings that are female threaded on one end, so you eliminate the need for multiple pieces. I'm not sure where to get tehm, maybe Lowes, a GOOD Ace hardware, or plumbing specialty.
 
I believe the MAG type pumps have a threaded nozzle that is either 1/2" or 5/8". You can buy a threaded connector that will have either a slip on nipple connection or a straight connection in almost any size. I know Lowes carrries them and I am sure other places do as well. For a return pump, you can use flexible hosing but be sure to use a plastic clamp or clip to secure the hose to the barb fitting. If you are connecting the return hose to a bulkhead that will dictate the size of the hose. You want to make sure that you can easily remove the pump for periodic maintenace, etc, so make it easy on your self.
Hope that helps.
 
What are your thoughts on running PVC instead of flexible tube. I really want to split the return into 3 different outlets to help teh flow in my DT. Thanks for the quick response!
 
Oh, I am not reteurning it to a bulkhead. The tank is not and cannot be drilled. I am having to use an overflow box.
 
I run PVC from my return to all my tanks. You will want to make sure you have a union and possible a ball valve to connect to the pump so that you can disconnect it easily. You may want to keep the first few inches as flexible PVC to allow for some movement and vibrations.
 
I am definitly going to put a ball valve on both the return and overflow for maintenance. Thanks for the suggestion about being able to disconnect it. I didnt think about that :up:
 
Dr. Fosters says the pump has a 1/2" outlet. Is that threaded (do I need to get a male or female?) or smooth to glue PVC to it? Is this the pump I should expect:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4585+4590&pcatid=4590">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4585+4590&pcatid=4590</a>

I have yet to see it, but after long research I noticed this pump was everyone's favorite pump. Sorry for all the questions.
 
I think I just answered my own question from the picture. I need to purchase a male 1/2" threaded fitting. Thanks for you help!! I should get some pictures of it in the DIY.
 
Yeah, Bob is right, it is 1/2" not 3/4"

I think at mag 9 and up it becomes 3/4"
 
I have the same pump and mine is threaded. You should be able to pick up an adpater or possible it will come with one attached assuming that the person using the pump now has it attached to something. What size PVC are you using? I assume 3/4" for the return. I would buy a threaded connector that has a slip connection and glue a piece of flexible PVC. You can use a barbed but there is no chance of leaking if you glue it. Downside is that you can't reuse it for anything else if you want to change it out.
 
I was planning on using 1/2" for good pressure. Do you think that will put too much strain on the pump. I am assuming you are suggesting to use 3/4"?
 
I was just asking. Typically I think the return bulkheads are 3/4" but you should be fine with 1/2". I have used both without any problem plus I had some 3/4" flexible PVC laying around in case you needed some.
 
thanks for the offer! just a little too far away for me!! do you have any frags for sell mainly monti? I was talking to two other people about them and accidentily erased my PMs and do not remember who they were. I have also been too busy trying to get my sump up. I put 1" of water in it today and found 2 leaks. But I think I got them fixed for the most part.
 
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