Pump question please??

[Mr James]

I was looking at the Dolphin submersibiles and the GenX/Mak4. I would like to use the GenX/Mak4 as a return pump from my sump. But I want to put a tee and then a ball valve inline to control the flow to the refugium. I also want to put a ball valve inline before the SCWD, to control the flow into the tank. Can the GenX/Mak4 handle this sort of back-pressure?? What about the Dolphin DP1200 submersibles?? The Velocity T3 is also a serious consideration, how would it compare to the GenX/Mak4. I am trying to avoid the price tag on the Iwaki's.

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi,

Thanks for your inquiry. All the pump you have mentioned will be able to handle that amount of back pressure: as long as the return is not more than 5-6 feet from the pump.

The Gen-X pump is an excellent choice as it handles back-pressure extremely well. The only drawback is that it does make some amount of noise.

The T-3 pump is also pressure rated so it will also do a good job. The advantage of this pump is that it is extremely quiet (you can barely tell it is running). But, it will heat up the water a degree or two more than the Gen-X pump.

The Dolphin pump is more of a submersibile pump that can also be used externally. It will also do a decent job, but will be slightly noisier and not quite as durable as the other two pumps.

If a little bit of noise it not an issue, the Gen-X would be the best choice as it will give you the most water flow.

The only change in design I would suggest is to put the ball valve on the line going to the refugium. That flow rate will need to be more precise than the flow going back to the tank. It may not be a bad idea to put valves on both the refugium line and the return line.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,
Joseph
Marine Depot Customer Service
www.marinedepot.com