I know this is probably going to be a stupid question but here goes anyway.  Does anyone know if the pumps made for a pond like what you can buy at Lowes for $89 will work in a SW tank.  On the box it says oil-free safe for all plants and fish.  Its only $89 and it says it will do 1800GPH.  That would save a lot of cash.  Any help would be appreciated!

J Bruse

I'd need more info before answering.  Is the impeller magnetic driven?  Are all metal parts stainless?  How much of it is metal?  How physically big is the pump...will it be fully submerged in your sump?

The other issue with these types of pumps is efficiency.  They're usually not very efficient thus run hotter then other aquarium pumps.  All that heat goes into the aquarium water, which might be a problem.  1800 gph is a lot for only $89.  What brand is it?  Usually pond pumps aren't that much cheaper then aquarium pumps ($/gph)...just a longer chord .

I'm currently using a Beckett Pondmaster pump for my sump return.  It's my spare pump, I just haven't gotten around to swapping the RIO in.