It's Too Hot In Here!

R

robertifly

Premium Member
I getting closer with a new tank setup, but the return pumps adding entirely too much temp. to water. I used two Velocity T4's for two reasons: their quiet and small, fitting into my cabinet/ sump arrangement almost perfectly! But no one told me that these pumps even being external(good right) have a problem with heat transfer(9.5 degrees). Ok, space was a consideration in the selection as was noise. Now the noise is not that big a issue since I have put in a 36" Solaris LED Light, with all the talk good and bad, for or against them, it's a surprise no one has said anything about the noise from the 6 fans that they use. Noise now not as big a factor or space, I am willing to let the pump stick out back of cabinet (cringe) I need some suggestions for return pump, I would like to flow about 2,000ghp. I think the T4's @1140ghp are probably pushing around 2,000 including the head and piping. A chiller is the least desirable solution for me because of space outside of the cabinet required(tank is in a smaller study room). Any suggestions? WT with two T4's, lights on, AG3 Skimmer on and cabinet doors all open(it has no back) and ceiling fan running is 84.4 in a room temp 77.4 :(
 
Reduce Return Flow & Use Random Flow

Reduce Return Flow & Use Random Flow

The only clue to the size of your tank is your mention of a 36” light. The largest 36” standard tank is a 65 gallon tank.

I believe that your return flow of 2000 gph is too high for such a tank because it will result in noise, overheating and turbulence that can interfere with your skimmer.

My suggestion is to get rid of one or both of the Velocity T4 pumps. A single Velocity T1, Eheim 1250 or Iwaki MD-20RXT is sufficient for return flow. If you need additional flow, use random flow devices such as Vortechs that will not add heat to your tank.
 
Sorry, the tank is a 90gal. spc. dim. 36"x24"x24" and the sump/refuguim is 40gal. therefore the 36" light. I have the tank completely quiet using the calfo overflow w/1.5" drain w/valve and 1.5" emergency drain. The returns are over the top
 
The Velocity T1 will add roughly the same amount of heat but at lower flow. It is the same motor with a smaller impeller.

I personally do not see a problem with that much flow, but would like to see it in a closed loop, not through a sump on a tank that size. A dart on a closed loop would work great.

Because you return over the top you may want to consier an oceans motions with the DART. I think you will be very pleased.

As PJF stated, you can then cut the sump flow down and use the eheim 1250 for the return pump.

Bean
 
The Velocity pumps are well known to add a lot of heat to the tank. Even though they are external, they are water cooled. This is why they are so quiet. An air cooled external will not add nearly as much heat. For a 90G return pump, I would use far less flow. More like 300 - 500 GPH.
 
I run about 1000gpm through my sump (50 gallon sump) but the skimmer is fed from the overflow. I am considering swithcing the T4 for an eheim myself. I can then justify adding a DART and second oceans motions :D
 
Ok, part of my goal was to have as little equipment in the tank as possible, ie. power heads, also believe I would have to empty tank and drill for the closed loop, no? I just thought I could get the tank flow with the sump/refugim as I do have the return split most flow into the sump, yes that's where the skimmer is but I could partition it off it the turbulence is a problem for it's intake.
 
Least Intrusive

Least Intrusive

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8972961#post8972961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by robertifly
Ok, part of my goal was to have as little equipment in the tank as possible, ie. power heads, also believe I would have to empty tank and drill for the closed loop, no? I just thought I could get the tank flow with the sump/refugim as I do have the return split most flow into the sump, yes that's where the skimmer is but I could partition it off it the turbulence is a problem for it's intake.
Click to expand...
The Vortech propeller is one of your least intrusive flow devices. They are held and driven with magnetism. There are no over-the-top pipes or wires. You can mount them low on the back wall. No electrical heat goes into your tank.

I'm seriously considering a couple of Vortechs when the controller is available.
 
pjf, I been reading bout the Vortechs and yes I would not mind using a couple mounted to the back of tank(maybe on the sides), it would really be nice if they could be fitted with a roator device such as hydro.
Bean, if doing CL, what is better thinking on placement of intake, returns? especially if using ocean motions4way or more. BTW, the T4's are really,really nice pumps but the heat is a killer, do you run a chiller?
 
No chiller... I run (2) T4s on a 75. I have maybe 140 total gallons in the system. 1 fan keeps it at about 84 on hot days. I evap 2-5 gallons a day depending on temp and humidity.

Ther is no "better" placement. It depends on your style of aquascaping and desired look. You could return all or most over the top. Return a few through the back maybe, right into the rock work? You will not see the piping that way. As for intakes, anywhere is fine. I prefer to hook them together with a horizontal piece of pipe that is drilled or slotted. I put tee on each end with a strainer. Between the strainers and holes, the flow in any given areas is not strong enough to suck a critter in, and will not create a strong force on the others if it gets blocked by a critter.

Bean
Bean
 
not to get off topic but but what is the prime range of the temp you should run .. i now have 265 watts and im up grading to 400 watts of MH right now in the winter my tanks sits at 78 and in the summer its at 80+ ...


any ideas
 
yeah what is the preferred temp range, I was under the impression 78 degrees F is ideal, how much swing can you have without stress?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8972932#post8972932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BeanAnimal
I run about 1000gpm through my sump (50 gallon sump) but the skimmer is fed from the overflow. I am considering swithcing the T4 for an eheim myself. I can then justify adding a DART and second oceans motions :D
Click to expand...

Typo? Or do you really run 60,000gph through your 50gal. sump? :D
 
Considering the various options.....since my overflo w/metered siphon and emergency drain continues to perform satisfactorly I will continue to tqke all my flow through the sump. High temp is the problem to deal with...either I change pumps, if I use the sequence Dart can I throttle it back some without harming it? or I will add a chiller. What do you guys think?
 
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