Sealless Magnetic Drive Pumps for Aquarium and Aquatic Life Applications

In the aquatic industry, precision and reliability are key. These qualities are essential for the proper circulation and treatment of the aquatic environment. Without the right pumps for these tasks, aquariums fail and aquatic life suffers. Finish Thompson’s complete line of sealless magnetic drive pumps provide the delicate care, diverse solutions, and durability required to meet the needs of the aquarium industry.

Typical Applications for Aquarium Pumps

Focus tanks
Circulation of water to tanks and aquatic life zones
Pump water to holding area
Transfer waste water to storage tanks for treatment
Portable sampling pump
Transfer formalin and hydrogen peroxide from drums to treat disease

Pump Details

DB Series, SP Series

Magnetically coupled, sealless centrifugal pumps. Finish Thompson DB Series and SP Series pumps are designed from the ground up for quiet, reliable operation while generating less heat than other designs.
Features

No mechanical seal – Powerful rare earth magnetic drive system eliminates the troublesome mechanical seal.
Corrosion resistant – Tough enough to handle even the most aggressive fluids, manufactured from polypropylene or PVDF.
Run dry ability – Makes them less prone to operator error or system upset.
Self-priming option – SP Series pumps can lift fluid from as deep as 25 feet (7.6 meters) below the pump or can pull liquid out of the top of a tank eliminating through-the-sidewall bulkhead fittings.

EF Series Drum Pumps

Finish Thompson drum pumps are extremely versatile and are not just for use in in drums. A wide range of tube lengths and materials of construction allow them to be used for a wide range of applications including water or chemical transfer for treatment or testing.
Features

An ideal replacement for hand pumps
Integral strainer
Built-in hose, cord clips (EFP/EFV only)
Will handle light acids and bases, sodium hypochlorite, cleaners, coolants

A Case in Point

Download this case study

Aquariums Turn to Finish Thompson Centrifugal Chemical Pumps for Marine-Life Solutions

“Even small changes in water temperature can be stressful and even potentially fatal with some fish species,” explains Pete Scantlebury, VP of Development for Finish Thompson. With the need for such precision to protect their aquatic life, aquariums must be selective with the pumps they choose for their tanks.

“Our pumps generate very low amounts of heat – even lower than our competitors – so the mag drive pump action has a smaller impact on the water temperature,” Scantlebury reports. “This is of major importance for aquarium operators, because fish are quite sensitive to changes in temperature. And at times, facilities have made a substantial investment to obtain rare species. Maintaining a healthy environment is vital, and this requires choosing the right circulation pump for their tanks.”

The low temperature rise is one of many benefits aquarium owners are discovering with Finish Thompson pumps. From octopus tanks, to lagoon circulation, to fish hospitals, Finish Thompson offers a full line of products to meet the needs of marine facilities.

Reliable Circulation

A landmark San Francisco aquarium has tapped into the benefits of Finish Thompson pumps to protect their marine life. Home to species that are displayed nowhere else on Earth, the aquarium needed pumps for their focus tanks that would provide quiet operation and prevent the introduction of air into the system.

“Our SP Series magnetic sealless pump effectively draws liquid from their artificial lagoon to their display tank,” notes Rich McDevitt, Western Regional Manager for Finish Thompson. “Their previous pumps added so much air that they harmed the minnows in the tank. Our sealless magnetic drive pumps eliminate this risk of over-oxygenating the fish and causing damage. The pumps also offer quiet operation for public viewing areas, which is key for maximizing the experience of aquarium visitors.”

In other areas of the facility, the aquarium uses Finish Thompson’s DB Series pumps for their run-dry capabilities. McDevitt notes, “If a filter stops working, or a valve is closed due to operator error, a pump can quickly heat up due to improper water flow. This scenario can destroy a sealed pump in a matter of seconds. Our sealless magnetic drive pumps have an added safety feature, so a run-dry situation won’t destroy them—or the wildlife they’re sustaining.”

Low Maintenance

A shark aquarium in Las Vegas has taken advantage of Finish Thompson’s SP Series pumps for their ease of maintenance. “Due to space constraints, their previous pump required crane removal for any maintenance service,” says McDevitt, “plus, the pump was in the tank with the fish. The SP Series mag drive pump is mounted outside of the tank, making access simpler, safer and more economical, and while it requires very little maintenance, if service is needed, it’s easy to detach and remove the pump.”

Safe Isolation

This same Vegas casino has installed Finish Thompson DB Series pumps for their isolation tank, which is used when new fish will be introduced to the population and when fish need to be isolated for treatment.

The mag drive pump model suits their needs for low temperature rise and run-dry capabilities: the lack of seal on the DB Series means the pumps offer a low-maintenance system in an otherwise high-maintenance area, and the low heat generation is key to providing a stable environment.

Convenient Testing

A bay-side aquarium in San Francisco has chosen Finish Thompson’s EF Series drum pump with the lithium ion battery powered motor option due to its convenient cordless design. McDevitt explains, “These drum and barrel pumps make water testing much easier than using corded pumps. Technicians can test different areas quickly and conveniently or even empty a tank if needed. The EF Series can pump up to seven 55-gallon drums in one charge. It’s the perfect general utility device to have in this type of marine setting.”