How to pick the right size pump and pipe??

[Malibu361]

Ok ,I am getting a reef ready 90 gallon this week and my question is how do I know how big of a line t get 1" or 3/4"? Should return and feed be the same and what size (GPH) pump and brand should I go with ??Thanks Sal

 

[masterswimmer]

I would use a 1" overflow and 3/4" return.
Eheim 1260 return pump is a nice pump.

swimmer

 

[Malibu361]

Since I will be making my own sump /fuge should I drill it or run it internal??

 

[duke62]

either or.if it is drilled it needs to be drilled the same height as your external pump outlet which is around 2 to three inches from bottom.if you use internal the only draw back i see is the extra heat from the pump.and also your pipe size will depend on what size pump you are going to be using

 

[Malibu361]

I have a
Pentair Quiet One 5000 Aquarium Pump 1330 GPH currently in my tank is that too big of a pump ??Would the ehiem flow enough??

 

[duke62]

http://reefcentral.com/calc/drain.php

 

[Malibu361]

Yeah I dont even know what numbers to enter in there...Would the eheim flow enough?:smash: I think the oulet on taht pu,p is a 3/4 "no?

 

[duke62]

put in 1330 gph

 

[Malibu361]

Where does that number come from?

 

[duke62]

yo

I have a
Pentair Quiet One 5000 Aquarium Pump 1330 GPH currently in my tank is that too big of a pump ??Would the ehiem flow enough??

you said you have a quiet 1 1330 gph.

 

[Malibu361]

I think the overflow is rated ar 600 gph and the eheim 1260 is at 635 gph should I still go with it and just use a ball valve to lessen flow?

 

[Killerdrgn]

I think the overflow is rated ar 600 gph and the eheim 1260 is at 635 gph should I still go with it and just use a ball valve to lessen flow?

You're probably forgetting to calculate head loss and such. the 1260 may actually be too slow or just right. though it is also a good idea to plumb the valve as a just in case measure.

 

[Malibu361]

Yes very true I dint not even consider that ..I wonder if the 1262 that flow 900 gph might be better

 

[pmoneyt]

i have to 1262 running my120 and i have it running my chiller, phosban and carbon reacators, and c02 reactor with a max head of 6 feet and i still have decent return flow

 

[Malibu361]

Wow I would be running mine direct I wonder if that pump wold be way to much for me...

 

[masterswimmer]

Wow I would be running mine direct I wonder if that pump wold be way to much for me...

I doubt it would be too much........BUT, I don't know (hint hint (tell us)):

- how many feet from the pump to the return?
- how many ball valves will you be using in that length of pvc?
- how many 90 degree elbows?
- how many unions?
- any check valves? (NOT recommended to use any)

Each item in the return line listed above adds one foot of head pressure. Not to mention that the inner wall of the pipe itself adds a certain amount of restriction and associated head pressure.

I have a 75g and use TWO Mag 9.5's on the return (not efficient I know, but it was done this way at the beginning when I knew nothing). One of the 9.5's only runs my fluidized media chamber with carbon. The other one runs directly to my return with nothing else on it. My pump to return height is 6' (not including any of the pvc devices listed above). FYI, I do NOT recommend using this pump design to anyone else (I was a fool :sad2: )

So you need to be aware that there will be considerable head loss AND the return will slow as time passes just due to the buildup of algae, salt creep and misc gunk inside the piping as well as general degradation of the pump over time.

The ball valve on the return will be your fail safe if the 1262 is too much pump anyway

Russ

 

[Malibu361]

As soon as I get the tank I will figure all the plumbing out but by my guesstimate it will be about 4' hight ,2 90 elbows ,2 unions ,2 ball valves ,and about 1.5 ' of horizantal tube..

 

[masterswimmer]

As soon as I get the tank I will figure all the plumbing out but by my guesstimate it will be about 4' hight ,2 90 elbows ,2 unions ,2 ball valves ,and about 1.5 ' of horizantal tube..

With those fittings, I'd estimate 10'-12' of head pressure. That is considerable. The 1262 is rated for a max vertical lift of 11'10". You might find the output of this pump to be adequate, but I don't think it will be more than your overflow can handle. Once again, with the ball valve in place you should easily be able to control this pump. IMHO I think you'll be able to run it with the ball valve wide open.

Russ