Dolphin pumps

[Ryan7]

Looking for a good pump to come from basement. I heard about Dolphin pumps, Are these good, Quiet, reliable?

Any opinions please, Might you suggest another pump?

appox. 22 feet of head- 370G tank

 

[GSchiemer]

Not enough head on the Dolphin pump to run from your basement. Depending upon how much flow you want through the aquarium, I recommend a 1/2 or 3/4 HP high-RPM Sequence 1000 pump. I bought two from Custom Aquatic (http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/index.asp) and I've been very happy with them. Be sure to specify saltwater seals if you decide on the Sequence pump.

Greg Schiemer

 

[Ryan7]

On the website for dolphin pumps, I calculated that a High Head Series 1/2 hp 5000 gph pump could run to lines up 22feet and put out 600gph at top. This pump would not be suitable? Do you suggest more flow or turnover?
370g tank
LRFO - will be well stocked

You find the one you use more reliable, quiet?

Also, I will be running 2 overflows, what would the advantages be of running 2 pumps from basement, besides the points of one failing?

thanxs alot, this is a big part of my setup, I only want to do it once, with the right stuff.

 

[Ryan7]

Forgot something...

In a large tank like this.. with 1 or 2 pumps this size... will I have to worry about temperature going too high??



thanx more!

 

[King Jason]

I've been extremely happy with my two Dolphin pumps. I have an AmpMaster 3000 and 2100. Both pumps are very quiet. I can't speak for reliability because my tank hasn’t been up that long. But they have been working great so far.

You may want to consider using the AmpMasters for a closed loop and another pump for your return from basement. 22' head is too much for Dolphin pumps.

 

[King Jason]

I also wouldn't worry too much about temp raised from the pumps. Your tank will have a lot of water volume and you will loose heat in the basement and going from the basement to the display tank.

 

[RGibson]

There are many good pumps sold Ampmaster 3000 is not one of them. RGibson

 

[liquid]

Check http://www.reefs.org/library/pumps for pump and plumbing information.

hth

Shane

 

[Anonymous]

I have an Ampmaster 3000, runs dead quiet and cool at about 11 feet of head. At 22 feet of head, I would go with a different pump.

 

[Minh Nguyen]

I've been extremely happy with my two Dolphin pumps. I have an AmpMaster 3000 and 2100. Both pumps are very quiet. I can't speak for reliability because my tank hasn’t been up that long. But they have been working great so far.

You may want to consider using the AmpMasters for a closed loop and another pump for your return from basement. 22' head is too much for Dolphin pumps.

I would agree with Jason here. Why bring you water down 22 feet and spend the energy to bring it up again. I would have a small volume going down to the sump and just have a cloose loop for circulation. You can move lots of water with a close loop and use a much less energy that moving the same amount of water usp from 22 feet.
Minh Nguyen
BTW, I also very happy with my Dolphin pumps. I got two AquaSea 4700 running almost continously for 3.5 years now without any problem. No repair, no replace seal or anything. They move about 9000 g/hr for me.
Minh Nguyen

 

[GSchiemer]

On the website for dolphin pumps, I calculated that a High Head Series 1/2 hp 5000 gph pump could run to lines up 22feet and put out 600gph at top. This pump would not be suitable? Do you suggest more flow or turnover?
370g tank
LRFO - will be well stocked

You find the one you use more reliable, quiet?

Also, I will be running 2 overflows, what would the advantages be of running 2 pumps from basement, besides the points of one failing?

thanxs alot, this is a big part of my setup, I only want to do it once, with the right stuff.

I had the same Dolphin pump in the 1 hp model and it wouldn't do what you're asking. If you're considering spending that kind of money on a pump, spend the same amount on a Sequence 1000 3/4 hp. MUCH higher quality than the Dolphin line. I've had them side by side so I know of what I speak. The Sequence will handle the head pressure from your basement with room to spare. You might be able to get away with the 1/2 hp Sequence, but the 3/4 gives you some margin for error. You can always turn a pump down with a ball valve but you can't compensate for inadequate flow.

I recommend coming up from your basement with one 1 1/2 or 2 inch line and then ultimately to FOUR 3/4 inch returns over the back of your aquarium. I like the loc-line pipe for this. You'll be able to move a lot of water, create random currents, and not have to mess around with powerheads. Sea Swirls, dump buckets, etc. This is exactly what I did in my 500 gallon reef aquarium.

Greg

 

[Ryan7]

thanxs Greg and everyone for the great advice!

 

[ChrisIsBored]

I just got sold off a brand new Dolphin Super Aqua Sea 6850. At 22' head pressure it would be able to push 4200GPH.

Definately way too big for my tank though.