Proper pump for chiller

[SurfOnH20]

Hello I need some serious input. I just purchased a JBJ 1/4 hp chiller. This was an upgrade from a 1/10. I am running a 100 gal tank with a 25 gal sump. I am using a Rio 12 which is rated at 510 gph at 6 feet of rise. I have the rise level at apprx 6 feet and running 1 inch pipe. It seems I am not getting the performance I desire. The min flow rating for the chiller is 500 gph. When I feel the spray bar it seems like almost nothing is coming out. I want to upgrade the pump to a Rio 20 hf which is rated at 870 gph at 6 feet. Would this pump work and what would be the max flow for the chiller to be efficient..I left a llink below to show pump ratings etc. I think the max line should be 3/4 inch. Is 1 inch too much. Thanks for any input...

I forgot to mention The pump is mounted in the sump with a return going to the chiller first then to the tank. I am running a second Rio 12 for the right side spray bar.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rio-Hyper-Flow-...ryZ46312QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Fridmani]

I would go with a bigger pump to account for the pressure head.

 

[Fmellish]

I have used both the Eheim 1260 and 1262 with this chiller and they both work great. For your size sump I'd say the 1260. It will not overpower your system, (assuming your returning your chilled water to your sump).

If you are going to put your chiller between your return pump and your display, (non-dedicated chiller pump), then get a pump rated for 900 GPH plus. The chiller adds quite a few feet of head pressure.

Cheers
Josh

 

[NicoleC]

Josh hit the mail on the head -- the head loss on a chiller is not the same as straight-through. Think of it as maybe 3 90 degree elbows in the way, too.

There are numerous pumps that are more efficient and more reliable than the Rio's. In addition to the Ehiem's, you may want to investigate the very efficient new Hydor Seltz pumps, Sen pumps and Quiet One pumps.

 

[Lou Cifer]

I use a Mag12 on my JBJ 1/4hp chiller.

 

[Fridmani]

I would also recommend returning the chilled water directly back to your tank not your sump, otherwise, you're losing efficiency.

 

[SurfOnH20]

Great feedback. I have it setup now with water returning back to the tank..I am going to look for an Eheim 1262 pump. I didn't realize a lot of head pressure was lost inside the chiller..

 

[Yinger]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7582504#post7582504 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SurfOnH20
Great feedback. I have it setup now with water returning back to the tank..I am going to look for an Eheim 1262 pump. I didn't realize a lot of head pressure was lost inside the chiller..

yup, if you look on the diagram on the website. It goes through several loops before the water exits. Like Fmellish said, just plumb it through the return and get a larger return pump. The 1262 is definitely the way to go. Low wattage and high flow.