Howdy,
I am in the process of setting up a new 255G tank, and I need some advice on what to do about the return pump. My tank has two 3/4 in returns, and a Ghost Overflow(2k gph rated). Id like to run two return pumps for redundancy(each will be run off a separate circuit). I already have an Ehiem 1260 from a previous build that I will be reusing to run from the sump through my chiller, and up to one of the returns. I am still trying to decide on what pump I should use for the second return pump. I would like for this pump to be more powerful so I can run a manifold, and eventually feed a frag tank as well. I wont be plumbing the frag tank from day one though, so that adds a bit of complexity as I am looking for some flexibility. That will likely be a few months down the road.
Ive been going back and forth on which pump to use. Part of the problem is that I will be using 3/4 pipe, so that limits me from going with a larger pump as my understanding is that reducing the pipe size has a huge affect on the head loss(and ultimately the actual flow). I will have to pump up ~4feet, and there will be at least 3 elbows, possibly 4.
The ones I am considering are:
1. Syncra Silent 5.0 Pump (1321 GPH) - Large AC pump that uses a lot of power but also very reliable. It is rated for 3/4" pipe, so I should get full flow out of it.
2. Vectra M1 DC (2000 GPH) - I am nervous about the reliability given all the negative reviews. It is rated for 3/4" so I will get full advertised flow and it uses a lot less power.
3. COR-20 Intelligent Return Pump (2000 GPH) - I am nervous on reliability since they are new. This is rated for 1.25" though so will run at a much reduced rate until I add a frag tank.
4. VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) - Seems to have slightly better reliability. Also rated for 1.25" pipe, but I list it 4th because I plan on running a Neptune Apex controller.
I am not overly concerned with running max possible flow through my sump. Id just like to hit 5x flow from the return and call it good. Knowing I will add a frag tank at some point makes me want to plan on having extra ability to turn up the flow on the DC pump when I bring it online.
Thoughts or recommendations? Am I missing something?
I am in the process of setting up a new 255G tank, and I need some advice on what to do about the return pump. My tank has two 3/4 in returns, and a Ghost Overflow(2k gph rated). Id like to run two return pumps for redundancy(each will be run off a separate circuit). I already have an Ehiem 1260 from a previous build that I will be reusing to run from the sump through my chiller, and up to one of the returns. I am still trying to decide on what pump I should use for the second return pump. I would like for this pump to be more powerful so I can run a manifold, and eventually feed a frag tank as well. I wont be plumbing the frag tank from day one though, so that adds a bit of complexity as I am looking for some flexibility. That will likely be a few months down the road.
Ive been going back and forth on which pump to use. Part of the problem is that I will be using 3/4 pipe, so that limits me from going with a larger pump as my understanding is that reducing the pipe size has a huge affect on the head loss(and ultimately the actual flow). I will have to pump up ~4feet, and there will be at least 3 elbows, possibly 4.
The ones I am considering are:
1. Syncra Silent 5.0 Pump (1321 GPH) - Large AC pump that uses a lot of power but also very reliable. It is rated for 3/4" pipe, so I should get full flow out of it.
2. Vectra M1 DC (2000 GPH) - I am nervous about the reliability given all the negative reviews. It is rated for 3/4" so I will get full advertised flow and it uses a lot less power.
3. COR-20 Intelligent Return Pump (2000 GPH) - I am nervous on reliability since they are new. This is rated for 1.25" though so will run at a much reduced rate until I add a frag tank.
4. VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH) - Seems to have slightly better reliability. Also rated for 1.25" pipe, but I list it 4th because I plan on running a Neptune Apex controller.
I am not overly concerned with running max possible flow through my sump. Id just like to hit 5x flow from the return and call it good. Knowing I will add a frag tank at some point makes me want to plan on having extra ability to turn up the flow on the DC pump when I bring it online.
Thoughts or recommendations? Am I missing something?
