Basement sump pump

[mattgumaer]

Hi all,

I'm upgrading from a 90 to 180 gallon reef with a basement sump. The sump will be one floor below the tank and I should need a lot of elbows or other changes in direction. I'm hoping to run 800-1000 gallons per hour through a 75 gallon sump. I was thinking about the Iwaki MD-55RLT. The local store where I'm getting the tank suggested I look at ReeFlo pumps as they might be quieter and more energy efficient. Any thoughts/recommendations for a relatively low flow basement sump? Thanks.

Matt

 

[dyazdani]

It looks like the Iwaki will be at the low end of your range (making assumptions about height and distance to your tank). I can't comment on the differences between the brands.

 

[snorvich]

I am in a similar situation with multiple sumps in the basement (which is wonderful for a lot of reasons). I use Reeflo pumps because of their ability to deal with the head of pumping up one floor.

 

[spsfreak1977]

I am running a coralife turbo love it

 

[Mark Bianco]

My sumps are in the basement and I as well run Reeflo pumps My favorite is the Hammerhead Gold

Mark

 

[droth335]

We have a 280 display with a 135 basement sump running a reeflo hammerhead. I would never buy a reeflo again after issues with a brand new pump leaking (lots of stories about that issue with them on RC). I have ordered a dolphin to swap out and keep the reeflo as a back up pump.

 

[mattgumaer]

If I went with ReeFlo, would the Snapper/Dart be the right pump (3600/2600 gph). Those flow rates seem high although head loss may bring them into the range I'm looking for.

In terms of leakage, in looking at the pumps and review at BRS, I did see some complaints of new ReeFlo pumps leaking. While I wouldn't be happy if my new pump leaked, I'd be less happy if my pump that was a few months old started leaking because I wouldn't likely be there to see it initially.

Haven't seen or read anything on the coralife or dolphin.

Matt

 

[JCurry]

I'm running a ReefFlo blowhole 2700 from my basement sump to my display. It's the quietest pump I've ever used.

 

[dyazdani]

If I went with ReeFlo, would the Snapper/Dart be the right pump (3600/2600 gph). Those flow rates seem high although head loss may bring them into the range I'm looking for.

In terms of leakage, in looking at the pumps and review at BRS, I did see some complaints of new ReeFlo pumps leaking. While I wouldn't be happy if my new pump leaked, I'd be less happy if my pump that was a few months old started leaking because I wouldn't likely be there to see it initially.

Haven't seen or read anything on the coralife or dolphin.

Matt

I agree with the choice of the Dart - you should use the head loss calculator on the site to determine where you will be. Based on the table on ReeFlo's website, the flow is pretty sensitive to head (e.g. 1,520 GPH @ 10' but only 630 GPH @ 12').

You might want to install one of the water detection alarms near the base of the pump to alert you of any issues.

 

[tiffyreefer]

Are you only looking external?? I went with a mag12 in my old basement sump. Cheap, reliable, and I didn't care about the noise at the time since the basement wasn't finished.

 

[ironwill723]

I have a similar setup...try the Panworld 250. Works flawless for me.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pan-world-250ps.html

 

[eyesinthedrk]

Due to previous issues with flooding and leaking, i was insistent on running a submersible pump. i have a mag 24 that's feeding the 125 dt and it tees off to feed the 100 gal fuge. as well. might be paranoia but its also peace of mind.

 

[ayionna06]

I am running the reeflo hammerhead gold for my system. my sump is a 125 gallon in my basement. only drawbacks I have had recently is the noise. It was so quiet at first but as it get older and maybe because its in the basement and its cold and damp. I've only had it for almost 3 years. I did notice the other day that it seems like every once in a while it stops pumping the water back into my tank. then I hear a rumming sound and its running again. I don't know

 

[clay12340]

I'm looking at this too. I've got a Mag 12 laying around that I'm going to use for leak and plumbing testing, but I can't decide what pump I want to go with long term.

I'm not sure what your setup is, but do you really care overly much about the pump noise? I've ran several obnoxiously loud setups in my basement fish room and never heard them outside of it. Unless it is an extremely loud pump you're probably not going to hear it upstairs. I assume in a basement you'll have a dedicated room, so again unless it is a really loud pump you're not likely to hear it outside of that room. Maybe my room is just really well sound proofed or I'm not very sensitive to the noise, but I've not noticed it.

I've been looking around and I'm mostly focusing on efficiency. Pumping against 12-16' of head pressure 24/7 seems like it will eat up a lot of power. I'm thinking efficiency is about the most important factor in a basement pump. Some of the DC pumps are looking pretty impressive, though they can be pricey.