Overflow and pump ?
- Thread starter djc1026
- Start date
pmeninger
New member
Ive been looking into it and Im in the niddle of the same project.
What overflow are you using? Is it external or internal?
The threads that Ive read have told me that a mag 5 or 7 will work for an overflow up to 700 gph (I was looking into Lifereef Overflows)
The thing is if the mag is ran internally is may cause heat, someone told me that a good pump for my project would be a Eheim 1250, and Im almost sure this is what I will use in my modification 70 gal reef sump/refug add-on.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pumps_eheim_universal_hobby_powerheads.asp?CartId=
What overflow are you using? Is it external or internal?
The threads that Ive read have told me that a mag 5 or 7 will work for an overflow up to 700 gph (I was looking into Lifereef Overflows)
The thing is if the mag is ran internally is may cause heat, someone told me that a good pump for my project would be a Eheim 1250, and Im almost sure this is what I will use in my modification 70 gal reef sump/refug add-on.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_pumps_eheim_universal_hobby_powerheads.asp?CartId=
kpk
Been Reefin'
If I was in the market for an overflow I would check out the Heartland Custom Aquatics. I think you can get them at ART or wetpets. They compare to Lifereef, but seem to be better built, and a better price. I have had Chris build a few things from me, and I wouldn't buy anything else. Great guy and nice craftsmenship.
Kyle
Kyle
The reasoning is because having had many tanks and set up many tanks you will get good flow from a mag 9 thru 12. Below that and you will not be able to get good water flow, especially if you T off of it to run your refugium. At 4 to 5 feet of head you will lose a lot of water flow.
pmeninger
you need to calculate head losses into your equation.
A mag 5 does 500g/hr I believe. At 4 feet of head you will be at around 350.
Mag 7 will do 700 at zero pressure but will be more like 500 at 4 feet. (these are just guesses).
Since waterflow is the main condcern, i would go with a higher rated pump.
If you want a low flow thru the sump, then sure, go with a lower rated pump.
you need to calculate head losses into your equation.
A mag 5 does 500g/hr I believe. At 4 feet of head you will be at around 350.
Mag 7 will do 700 at zero pressure but will be more like 500 at 4 feet. (these are just guesses).
Since waterflow is the main condcern, i would go with a higher rated pump.
If you want a low flow thru the sump, then sure, go with a lower rated pump.
Youngsilver
C'est un touche-Ã -tout
Re: Overflow and pump ?
Would be best I think to use a mag9 or 12 and definately go for the dual 1200gph overflow
I had a mag 9.5 on my 55 and only used 1 of my 2 overflow pipes, and I had alot of gargeling, i think due to too much water running down the pipe coming out of the overflow box
Would be best I think to use a mag9 or 12 and definately go for the dual 1200gph overflow
I had a mag 9.5 on my 55 and only used 1 of my 2 overflow pipes, and I had alot of gargeling, i think due to too much water running down the pipe coming out of the overflow box
Travis L. Stevens
New member
I'm with Paul for a general waterflow amount, but it really all depends on things like how much flow you want through your sump or refugium, how much flow you want through your tank, and if you want supplemental pumps for additional water flow such as powerheads or closed loops. A lot of people say that a slower flow through a refugium is better, so you need a lower powered pump. But then to achieve good flow in the display you need some sort of supplemental flow. I can tell you from my experiences that a little less than 700gph through a 10g tank refugium is not enough to do any damage to any invertebrate populations. I would personally advocate using a large pump to do most of your flow and avoid powerheads and closed loops. Heck, I would love a Sequence Dart or something on my future 75g tank, but I'm going to stick with a Mag 9.5 because it was cheap and readily available. After all, if you go with a large pump, a little ingenius plumbing and you can reach anywhere you want in the tank.
captbunzo
Premium Member
I would agree with Paul & Travis on using a good solid Mag 9.5 or 12 on the return. Either will work.
However, I disagree with the anti-powerhead stance. While they are a bit ugly and such, you can't beat them for low cost of operation. A closed loop or return pump will use MUCH MUCH more electricity to create flow then some decent stream style powerheads.
By that I mean SEIOs on a budget and Tunze Streams if you have the money. I use SEIOs on my 55G reef. They are surving me very well there. However, if I ever get around to building my 4x4x2 dream reef, I will be using about 4 Tunze stream powerheads.
Due to my (current) annoyance about the power expended by higher power pumps, I am likely to avoid them if possible and just consider powerheads to be a necessary evil. I am also swayed as my dream tank plans include a center-of-the-tank overflow which would simply not accomodate a closed loop. Otherwise I would probably byte the Watt-Crazy bullet and go for a Loop with a Sequence Reeflo Dart, Barracude, or Hammerhead.
However, I disagree with the anti-powerhead stance. While they are a bit ugly and such, you can't beat them for low cost of operation. A closed loop or return pump will use MUCH MUCH more electricity to create flow then some decent stream style powerheads.
By that I mean SEIOs on a budget and Tunze Streams if you have the money. I use SEIOs on my 55G reef. They are surving me very well there. However, if I ever get around to building my 4x4x2 dream reef, I will be using about 4 Tunze stream powerheads.
Due to my (current) annoyance about the power expended by higher power pumps, I am likely to avoid them if possible and just consider powerheads to be a necessary evil. I am also swayed as my dream tank plans include a center-of-the-tank overflow which would simply not accomodate a closed loop. Otherwise I would probably byte the Watt-Crazy bullet and go for a Loop with a Sequence Reeflo Dart, Barracude, or Hammerhead.
djc1026
New member
Thanks for all of the replies.
So if I use a 9.5 or 12, won't I need some sort of valve or go with the dual overflow like Youngsilver suggested to avoid draining the return section to quickly?
Also what about any comparable pumps with lower wattage consumptions? How do they stack up against the Danners?
Dave
So if I use a 9.5 or 12, won't I need some sort of valve or go with the dual overflow like Youngsilver suggested to avoid draining the return section to quickly?
Also what about any comparable pumps with lower wattage consumptions? How do they stack up against the Danners?
Dave
captbunzo
Premium Member
You should ALWAYS have a value on the output of a return pump somewhere above in, before it gets to the tank. You never when it is going to need to be shutoff for SOME reason. 
And of course you can use this to regulate the flow, if need be.
Never put a valve BEFORE a magnetically driven pump as you will burn out the pump.
As for "comparable pumps with lower wattage consumptions", you'd have to name brands. Generally speaking (and I have done the research, calling, etc) everyone will pretty much recommend the Danner Mag Drive pumps. You might get recommendations for Iwakis, etc, but those are in a class of their own (including costwise).
And of course you can use this to regulate the flow, if need be.Never put a valve BEFORE a magnetically driven pump as you will burn out the pump.
As for "comparable pumps with lower wattage consumptions", you'd have to name brands. Generally speaking (and I have done the research, calling, etc) everyone will pretty much recommend the Danner Mag Drive pumps. You might get recommendations for Iwakis, etc, but those are in a class of their own (including costwise).
