Pump Size?

[BrianOKC]

Ok i got a question im fixing to install a sump on my 55 gallon tank. I'm kinda unsure on what size of pump i need. I'm guessing the uplift will be roughly 4 1/2 feet tall. Does anyone have a suggestion and i'm looking for a lower price range pump.

 

[djc1026]

Eheim 1250 if all you're doing is returning the water, the 1260 if you have another application for the return water or just want a little more flow. I only return about 220 gph with my pump and use two Seio's for the majority of water movement.

That's my $.02.

Dave

 

[scott0615]

First question is - How is the water getting to the sump [overflow box or hole drilled in the tank]? This will determine how big/small of a pump you can use.

 

[BrianOKC]

Will be an overflow box.

 

[dugg]

Depends on the flow rate of your overflow box, but i would go with a mag 7 if the box will handle it. Mag drive pumps are dependable and low priced.

 

[kpk]

How much water will be able to drain? I would say try a mag 7 or so. The eheim would be really nice and probably run cooler though.

 

[djc1026]

It's primarily a matter of preference. How quickly do you want the water to run through the sump, given it's design, and do you want the return pump providing the majority of flow in the display. Just don't get a pump that will deliver more than your overflow will drain after head loss if you're not using it for multiple applications.

Dave

 

[Wildstar1063]

I have a 55, and my sump/fuge is also a 55. I currently have a 750gph Little giant pump,
and a 350gph overflow, but , it's just not the kind of flow I want. I can't turn the valve on
the pump to full flow because the overflow won't handle it. I would guess that each of the
4 outlets in the tank is exiting about 87 to 88 gph, as the overflow is maxed out.

I will be installing a Rio hyperflow 20 pump this coming week, it produces about 990gph at
4ft and only pulls 60 watts. and these new Rio pumps use no oil. I've had a Mag, and it
internal shorted about 6 months after I got it, and I have known others who have had
the same issue with Mag's.

I figure with the plumbing, i'll loose 90 to 100gph so I'll have about 222 to 225 gph
coming from each of the 4 outlets in my tank, so It'll be like having 4 maxijet 1200's.
In addition I have installed 2 hydor rotating flow deflectors on the top two outlets,
in the tank. Even if I were to loose 25 to 30 percent of the 990gph, the flow would.
still be about double what it is now. I'm using as much flexable tubing as possible
to reduce 90 degree bends, which is the thing in the plumbing that eats your gph
the most. With the current plan there will be 4 90 degree bends.

All that will fall back through a CPR 1600 gph overflow (yes I have the aqualifter), that I
bought used on eBay. IT's big, but I thought it would grow with me should I decide to
get a bigger tank, and it was not drilled.

I have all the stuff, and I'm off on vacation this coming week, so me and my brother
are going to install it all.


I've been told I should use the SEIO's to add flow, but I just don't like power heads in
my display tank.

Chuck E.

 

[surfer51]

I would greatly recommend a Mag Drive 7.


Just my 2 cents.

 

[captbunzo]

I will 2nd or 3rd or 4th the suggestion for a Mag Drive 7.

 

[djc1026]

If you want around a 700 gph rated pump, I would get an ocean runner 2500 or quiet one 3000, both use nearly half the watts of mag drives and have larger fittings better suited for return pumps. In fact the quiet one 3000 comes standard with 1" inlet and outlet, no need for adaptors and both pumps can usually be found for the same price or less than the mag drives.

Don't get me wrong, I like mag drives, just want to give you alternatives since you asked.

Dave

 

[dugg]

There are several good options out there, but other than the Mag 7, all i can say is go and look at a RIO pump, then any pump you see that even looks like it could have been made by RIO, you don't want. There are several pump brands out there that are either made by the same company as RIO, or just design knock offs. They all are C.R.A.P.O.L.A. They work real nice and quiet too, then one day you will walk up to your tank to find that you don't need to cook dinner today if you like boiled fish and clams lol.

Not trying to push you to the Magdrive, i just forgot yesterday to tell you to stay clear of the Rio or Rio look alikes.