Pump

kwalls

New member
About to set up a 125 RR tank I have everything I need other than the pump that is to be placed in the sump. Any suggestions as to which pump I should purchase. Thanks
 
My 120 has dual over flows and returns rated at 1200 gal/hr. I use two Quiet One pumps rated at 600 gal/hr each which I figure gives me ~ 800 gal/hr back to the tank. The over flows also have just enough capacity to accommodate a Mag 5 pushing a SWID from the sump too.
 
I used to use a Mag 12 in my 120. I am much happier with my current Eheim, though. Eheim pumps are much better than mag drive pumps in many ways although more pricey.
 
I currently have 2 Quiet One 3000 running in my 125 and I'm not happy with them. I feel that I need more flow but the lfs told me that was all I needed when they sold me the set-up but it's not:(
Don't get me wrong, the pumps are super quiet and you have to look at the flow in the tank to see that they are running, just didn't factor in the head lose that I was gonna have because I listened to someone else, that being said, make sure you know that before you buy so you don't end up like me having to buy yet 2 more pumps to get the turn over I truely need in the tank.
 
It is a belt and suspenders approach by using two pumps - if one goes out or you want to clean one, you still have one for circulation.

There are those that suggest having too much flow through the sump reduces the effectiveness of the skimmer since it doesn't have as much time to process as much water before it is return to the tank. More important to have more flow in the tank such as with power heads than rely on the sump pumps for flow. I run a pump in the sump once a week to stir up the detritus for the skimmer to take out.

I would rather have my SWID pump take water from the main tank rather than the sump to reduce the sump turnover (and noise, which isn't too bad as it is) but haven't found a good way to do it w/o putting pvc into the viewing area. Don't know that I need the SWID in addition to a Koralia 3 in each from corner and a Koralia 1 facing the front glass, but I have it and the pump so why not go ahead and use it? I considered putting it into the overflow but think that the pump will pump the water out faster that it will go in.
 
i dont think the pump CAN pump the water out faster than it can come in the long run :)

i was considering the same thing, but i can't find a pump that would fit in my overflow very well...(homemade design flaw. ugh.) what pump are you considering for that?

i've got a quiet one and its not bad, but i also wish i had more...

any mechanical geniuses want to chime in--using something at lower than its max rated capacity can extend its life? i'm wondering if he's on the border for a return pump, if he ends up getting one that's slightly too large, he could always...never mind...no such thing as slightly too large :)
 
I bought this tank used so I am not real familiar with how much flow I need i have two K 4's that are going in the tank as well as a Tunze so what do I need for a tank this size or how big of a pump should I use and where is the best place to get one online.
 
Do you have a single overflow or dual? Any idea the brand?

Found this that may help you:

"The MegaFlowâ„¢ Overflow System by All-Glass Aquarium ... aquariums up to 110 gallons are fitted with one MegaFlowâ„¢ Overflow and are rated for a maximum flow through of 600 G.P.H. (Using a rated 2,400 G.P.H. pump at a 5 foot head)."

2400gph per overflow says I'm WAY under pumping through mine. I would question that since my overflows are nearly at the top of the slits with the three pumps I'm using.
 
I prefer to keep the gph of the return pump much lower than the rated capacity of the drain pipe(s) to minimize the noise and heat input.

I am using an Eheim 1262 (900 gph) for the return of my 180 which is quite adequate for my tank (approx. 830 gph at 2.5 ft head). Eheim 1260 (635 gph) might have been just fine for my 120 (
AGA with dual Megaflow). Eheim pumps are very durable and reliable. I had a small issue with a pump head gasket of my 10 years old Eheim canister filter on my FW planted tank this year. Eheim service center fixed the problem and did maintenance service on it for free :).

Tim -

using something at lower than its max rated capacity can extend its life?

This depends on the type of pump. You can cause an overload on some pump motors (results in damage if not protected by a thermal overload protection switch/relay) if you restrict its outflow while non-overloading pumps will be just fine. If you have an air cooled centrifugal pump, I don't think you have to worry about the pump kicking out or heating up the water with partly restricted flow. However, I prefer to match my pump capacity to the desired flow rate through the system - less wasted energy.
 
If your interested I have a extra Eheim 1262 that Im not using and would sell it if your interested shoot me a PM
 
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