Powerhead advice

[JohnM99]

I am hoping to increase flow in my 86 g tank (42x18x24t) - it has an oversize overflow (long story) - but I thought I could put a pump inside the overflow, and connect it to a flex PVC pipe that goes over the top of the overflow into the tank.

I was thinking of a 7400 - what size outflow does it have? I thought it would be good to use a controller with it, to create some irregular flow. I have mostly LPS with some SPS.

The other alternative would be to put a turbelle stream into a deco rock - but maybe that would be too powerful.

I have a sump in the basement - in theory I am supposed to be getting around 800 gph back from that, but it seems less. Also have a closed loop, but it is driving me crazy with microbubbles. It has an Eheim 1250 in it.

Thanks
John

 

[rvitko]

The outlet of the 7400/2 is 25mm. I sell metric PVC plumbing kits they have all sorts of unions, elbows and lengths of pipe of 25mm in the kit. I think it will reduce the output as the pumps are not very high pressure. You would want it to be as straight a pipe as possible.

On your closed loop you must have a small leak somewhere creating a venturi effect. The 1250 is rather small fo a closed loop- I might suggest trying a larger air cooled pump.

 

[JohnM99]

Thanks for the reply - I could connect it to a 1.25 pipe for a short run.

I have tried to seal all the junctions on the tubing with ratchet clamps, teflon tape and even silicone grease - I think it might be cavitating? or still an air leak.

This pump was chosen to be quiet - no way I want an air cooled pump in the room (sump etc are in the basement) - my better half would not be amused.

I actually measured my main pump output - it is actually putting out about 1000 gph - and if I put in a turbelle on the other side, and keep the Eheim going - that is about 30 x tank vol per hour. That should do, I would think.

 

[rvitko]

I have used alot of Eheims- outside the heat issue they are a great pump, made like a freight train. Get me some pics and I'll see if I can help.