Large Tank Pump Advice.

[Nemosreeftank]

Hello, I'm new to the forum & to reef tanks in general so please excuse any questions I might have not to be based on ignorance but lack of experience/knowledge. My first issue so far is excessive sump pump noise from one of two sump "1.5hp Pentair Sweetwater" pumps installed in my basement filter mech room. I'd like to A. convert the pumps to VFD drives or B. replace them with another pump all together. The Pentair Sparus Intel-Flo 3HP pump was suggested. I'm having a tough time finding a retailer that can provide this pump at a reasonable price(Help). The manufacture of the tank is ATM and its 1500 gallons. Other then the noisy pumps everything else seems to be running fine so far.

 

[dave.m]

First question is how do you know what size pump you require? How far are the sumps from the display tank? Is there any vertical distance involved? Every bend, valve and twist add resistance against the pump. The size and type of pipe also add resistance that the pump has to work against. How much of the display tank's flow depends on the return pumps versus flow from internal pumps. And what type of tank is it: SPS reef, mixed corals, FOWLR, etc. ?

Not nearly enough info provided to answer questions on such a key element as the return pump.

Dave.M

 

[Nemosreeftank]

Hi Dave, tyvm for the reply. As mentioned Acrylic Tank Manufactures "ATM" designed the whole tank and system approx 5 years ago and everything was spec'd on locations of the mech room and display tank. The home was a 75 month build so the tank is just being commissioned by a local aquarium shop who will do the maintenance. Soooo now that the tank is running and the home is complete the noise issue has come to light. So I am looking for a solution and am considering variable speed pumps so that the proper flow can be dialed in. I do realize the Sparus 3hp pump has more flow then will be required based on the 1.5hp Sweetwaters. They are scaled back with ball valves and because of this are very noisy and under more load amperage wise because of this. I'm told it's more the water friction noise I'm hearing but they also vibrate because of the valve restricting them. So I'm looking for some insight or advice on the issue. Either input on the Sarpus or Penatair pool pump, convert the current Sweetwaters to VFD motors or anther solution that might be out there. Ty to anyone with any input.

 

[Nemosreeftank]

Here is a pic of the tank. Note there's a blanket in the backside as work is still be done on the lighting.

 

[dave.m]

The first pump you listed, the Pentair Sweetwater, is an air blower, not an aquarium pump per sé. Was someone designing an air-lift system for moving the water from the sump?

You are talking about replacing these air blowers with water pumps, but without knowing the application parameters it is difficult to say what would be suitable.

Have you considered DC pumps like those from Abyzz? These offer lower operating costs, lower operating tmperatures, dead quiet operation, and much greater flow control than AC pumps typically offer. If you need more power they can be ganged together.

Dave.M

 

[Nemosreeftank]

Here's a pic of of the sump pumps that I'm referring too for reference. There are two of these.

 

[Reefstarter2]

here is what I see from a plumbing standpoint . The 90 at the inlet is restricting the flow in to the pump and causing cavitation . along with the close proximity of the "bullheaded " tee on the outlet . to fix this you need to have at least 18 inches of straight line in and out of the pump . At least thats what it looks like . I am not an engineer but I build very large comercial and industrial plumbing systems with all kinds of pumps . I would check in to that first before you waste money on a new pump .

 

[Nemosreeftank]

I never considered an issue with the plumbing design so I have really no idea as far as that is concerned. I'm relying on ATM and their engineering. I did take another pic and will post some more (phone died grrrr). The pump in the right with the bulkhead is actually quite quite. It's the other against the wall behind the two white vertical canisters, that has the ball valves slightly closed to adjust the flow that is the real issue. It's super noisy and my real concern. As I said I'll post some more pics of the whole mech room.

 

[Nemosreeftank]

Oops here's the pic