Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what size pump should i get for my vivarium? its for a waterfall in an azureus tank. the tank is a 20gallon

I just picked up a Mini Jet MN 404 pump for a 30 gallon tank. I felt that the next higher (MN 606) was too strong on its lowest setting, which also falls in this range. Petsmarts website can tell you about both of these pumps plus the Micro Jet pumps. The Mini Jets are just slightly bigger and need a half in hose. I don't know what size the Micro Jets need. I payed $15 for mine at a local aquarium shop. The MN 606 was $19. Similar to Petsmart, but no shipping and I got it that day. The reason I also chose Mini Jet as opposed to Micro Jet was the cord. Mini Jet had a flat cord, so it would come out of the tank easier since most manufactured tanks have those "dips" (or whatever you want to call them) in the top back of the tank. The Micro Jet pumps are grounded so they can be used outdoors, need the three prong outlet, but their cord is a lot thicker because it is round. Let me know if you want more information. I could tell you what the volume it pumps and the height is if you want.

I like the submersible Rio 600. It may be a bit powerful for a 20 gallon, so you might want to drop to 400. The mini and micro jets are O.K. for small fountain effects, but in my experience, some of them haven't lasted very long and had to be replaced. I recently tried a couple of the Maxi-Jet 600 pumps. These are very versitile, can work either submerged or externally, but they are relatively large. I use them in the false bottom on their sides. All of these take the 5/8ths tubing, but this will "sleeve" over 1/2 inch tubing if you prefer that. I do a lot of jimmy-rigging to create things such as double falls or falls and streams. Some work better than others.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

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