What Kind Of Pump

[ssgibbons]

I wanted to get some recommendations on pumps..
I have a 300 gallon tank with 2 qty 1" overflows and 2 qty 7/8" returns. I want a minimum of 5 time turnover.. The Problem is, the tank is on the first floor and the equipment is in the basement. If I were to use flex tubing, the distance would be about 15 linear feet. Any input is greatly appreciated.

PS.. Sump is 24 x 24 x 48, if that matters ?

Thanks In Advance,
Scott Gibbons

 

[Anonymous]

Do you mean 5 times turnover in an hour?

 

[ssgibbons]

Sorry, Yes, 5 times per hour

 

[Jawbone]

15 feet does not always mean 15 feet when you are dealing with pumps.

using 1 inch tubing 15 feet from the bottom of the sump to the top of the display tank will add about 16.5 Feet of head pressure to the pump, every elbow will add another foot of head pressure. Assuming 2 elbows you will have about 18.5 Feet of head pressure.
Most pumps are initially rated at a delivery of XGallons per hour with 1 foot of head pressure.

I dont sell pumps so I dont have a brand name to suggest, but I would start my research looking at pumps that pump around 3500GPH or greater. Then look at the MFG specs to see what the Max head is (the highest point it will pump to and still operate) and then what the flow will be at the head pressure that you are creating which in this case is about 18.5 feet or better.

If all else fails you can get 2 smaller pumps that will achieve the results you are looking for.

Sorry I cant give you name brands or anything but I hope I helped a little anyway

 

[ssgibbons]

Thanks JawBone,

I have started looking at the Dolphin High Speed Pump. The only issue I see it reducing the output from 1.5" to the 7/8" I wonder if this would put stress on the motor?

Thanks
Scott

 

[john f]

I really like RK2 pumps.
You can buy them from aquatic ecosystems in Orlando. (They have a website but the RK2's are not listed yet)

I have a 1000 gallon reef and run 1 RK2 and 1 Dolphin 5600. The Dolphin is quite a bit louder and generates A TON of heat compared to the RK2.
They make them in 1/4hp up to like 2 Hp.
I would suggest getting 2 of the 1/4hp models for your setup but the folks at Aquatic Ecosytems have a tech support staff that can help you better.


John

 

[ssgibbons]

Thanks John, Do they have a web site....

 

[liquid]

So you want somewhere between 1500 and 2000 gph thru two 1" overflows huh? First off, I'd be looking into a pressure rated pump as you're pumping thru quite a bit of head pressure. Second, I'd look at increasing the diameter of the return lines if that's possible to help with reducing frictional head loss.

If it were me choosing a pump for your application, I'd look at the Sequence pumps as they're more energy efficient than Iwaki's and a number of them are pressure rated. They're a little more pricey than Iwaki's, but the energy efficiency more than makes up for the price difference. I wouldn't go w/ an Ampmaster as they're not pressure rated so they will lose their flow much faster than a pressure rated pump. Ampmasters are great pumps when head pressure isn't an issue, such as for closed loop circulation or in applications where head pressure is low.

If you want to dialog with someone that knows these pumps, give Harbor Aquatics a call and ask for JT. Their phone number and email contact info is on their webpage: http://www.harboraquatics.com/

BTW, I'm in no way affiliated with Harbor.

FWIW, I'm in a similar situation as you as I'm currently designing a basement sump for my upcoming tank and I'm seriously considering the Sequence line of pumps due to their energy efficiency and their flow characteristics.

Shane

 

[ssgibbons]

Thanks For The Info Shane, I am looking into them now

Scott