Question about pump and brute cans

[Reggae Fish]

Well I have 2 brute cans and I do water changes and filling my topoff tank from downstairs. I was thinking about putting bulkheads on the outside at the bottom of the brutes and then a ball valve and use an external pump. I think it would be easier than putting the pump in and out of the water every time. Since the pump would weigh so much I could just put something under it for a few minutes. What do you think? I would need something around 1800 GPH I think. Suggestions are welcomed!

 

[capncapo]

Where is your sump going to be?

 

[StupidsReef]

I've seen a brute done like that here on RC. I don't remember who had done it though.

 

[Reggae Fish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9528698#post9528698 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capncapo
Where is your sump going to be?

Upstairs. Currently I drop in a Mag12 and just pump up either SW for water changes or RO for top off into my topoff reservoir

 

[capncapo]

How do you know when to shut it off?

Do you have float switches that kill the power?

 

[Reggae Fish]

Right now I only have a 5 gallon bucket for top off. The new one will be about 14. I just have the old lady kick it on, takes about 80 seconds and it's done.

Same thing with water changes. I have a 30' 3/4 ID tube I use.

 

[capncapo]

Ever think about a remote switch? Just run it upstairs so you can do it without having to ask your wife ( of course unless that's a "bonding event" for her ).

Sounds like either way you do it you're still going to have to run downstairs to either move valves or the pump.

Sounds like it will be a whole lot of pump for what you're wanting to do but you sure won't waste any time waiting for anything to fill.

Something to consider is that the water will only drain back down to the water level of the brute that has the valve open so eventually your salinity will go slightly out of adjustment.

 

[DrBDC]

You could probably use one of those remote wireless doorbells to trigger a relay that turns the pump on.

 

[Reggae Fish]

The problem is there is NO way to hide 3/4 tubing for 30+ feet at my house. So, I have to just go down and hook it up every 5 days or so. Doesn't take long.

 

[Schplitter]

You can fish your tubing inside the walls. Your floors are probably hollow also... I have mine going fromt he basement into my 2nd floor ceiling, across the whole house and then into the tank canopy....

 

[DrBDC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9531458#post9531458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Schplitter
You can fish your tubing inside the walls. Your floors are probably hollow also... I have mine going fromt he basement into my 2nd floor ceiling, across the whole house and then into the tank canopy....

That works great ESPECIALLY if you use a peristaltic pump for auto topoff/kalk. Those pumps will pull from a long way and/or push a long way.

 

[Schplitter]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9531693#post9531693 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBDC
That works great ESPECIALLY if you use a peristaltic pump for auto topoff/kalk. Those pumps will pull from a long way and/or push a long way.

And not to forget: you will have a blast doing it...