Recirc pump for 6" Skimmer
- Thread starter thorsky
- Start date
E-A-G-L-E-S
New member
thorsky...mesh mod that bad boy, and make yourself a bigger output.(don't use the stock venturi pieces)
RandyStacyE
New member
Usually one end of the pipe is factory cut so it should be straight. You can measure and make several marks around the pipe. Use anything straight yet flexible to use as a straight-edge to connect the dots and draw your line. Then you should have no problem using your miter saw, it may take 2 or 3 cuts but at least you'll have a good straight cut. Just make sure that your miter saw blade is set nice and vertical.
It really helps a lot if you chop off a piece from your 10' length (if you did buy a 10' length) rather than try and handle the long piece under a saw blade.
What worked well for me was using a table saw. It took a while to set up a temporary jig to hold the PVC straight and perpendicular with the blade, but then it cut VERY nice.
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RandyStacyE
New member
That 3000 looks like it will be a powerful pump. I would try to get as much reaction chamber as you can fit in the space you have 
coyoteseven
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9509175#post9509175 target=_blank>Here's how I did it with only a hacksaw, tape measure and masking tape.</a>
thorsky
New member
Randy & Coyote, thanks for the cutting ideas. I'll give it a go.
Randy, I agree the pump has some power. I'm going with 8" cast tube with .25" wall. I'll have the shop cut it so I get a perfect bonding surface. Any thoughts on height? It's a basement sump so no limits.
I was thinking 18". I can order two feet and have the ~6" pice left for the cup.
That leads to my next question. I plan to attach the reaction chamber to a .25" acrylic bottom plate. Do I need to route out a circle to set the tube in and then glue? Or can I get away with just gluing it if the cut is perfect? And which weldon? I've got 4 and 16, but I remember seeing a two part weldon recommended for large tubing connections.
Randy, I agree the pump has some power. I'm going with 8" cast tube with .25" wall. I'll have the shop cut it so I get a perfect bonding surface. Any thoughts on height? It's a basement sump so no limits.
I was thinking 18". I can order two feet and have the ~6" pice left for the cup.That leads to my next question. I plan to attach the reaction chamber to a .25" acrylic bottom plate. Do I need to route out a circle to set the tube in and then glue? Or can I get away with just gluing it if the cut is perfect? And which weldon? I've got 4 and 16, but I remember seeing a two part weldon recommended for large tubing connections.
JCTewks
In Memoriam
I think 18" seems a little short, especially if you are going to mod the pump. I would go with taller, like 24". i would also think about mounting ER style, with the output and pump higher on the body (2/3 of the way up) and the intake low (like 1/4 from the body. that way you don't have head pressure issues, and still get bubbles near the bottom of the skimmer. what size neck are you putting on this?
if you need info on DAS pumps check out my thread. pic and video are near the end on the 4 and 5 page.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1054301
I just brought the DAS ex-2. It uses the same type pumps[ab 2001] that the deltec apf600 and H&S skimmer.
It only cost $120 for these pumps.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1054301
I just brought the DAS ex-2. It uses the same type pumps[ab 2001] that the deltec apf600 and H&S skimmer.
It only cost $120 for these pumps.
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thorsky
New member
Ok, the .25" wall 8" tubing is going to take a while to come in. They can get 1/8" wall a lot faster. Any thoughts on that? The 6" I have is 1/8" wall and seems pretty sturdy. The .25" would be nice to have (and expensive), but would the 1/8" work out well?
I am still wondering about routing a groove to set the tube in on the base. Necessary?
I am still wondering about routing a groove to set the tube in on the base. Necessary?
Joshua1023
New member
I would have to say that you will definately need a larger reaction chamber than what you first mentioned for this pump. I used the OTP 2000 w/ a six inch reaction chamber 16 inches tall, and I don't think it could have handled much more.
That said, what the hell? I didn't get any accesories w/ my OTP pump. Where did you order yours from?
That said, what the hell? I didn't get any accesories w/ my OTP pump. Where did you order yours from?
RandyStacyE
New member
That's strange ... I was reassured by Aquacave on more than one occasion that the 2000 and the 3000 was compatible with standard pipe fittings.
I hope they work out for you.
They told me that the 1000 was NOT compatible with standard pipe fittings.
Joshua1023
New member
The 2000 is 100% for sure standard 3/4" fittings.
thorsky
New member
Just took the pump out and checked. The inlet fitting is very close to a 1" male NPT but does not thread quite right. I can thread a 1" female NPT fitting onto it about 1 full turn. You can tell it's not right. The output is again real close to a 3/4" male NPT but no dice. I can't get that to thread at all. I'm wondering if NPS (non tapered) fitting may work better. If not, I'm not sure what else I can do. I can get dies to rethread the PVC or the pump fittings but what a pain in the but.
Anyone have any ideas? The pump comes with some fittings as shown in the pics, but they are somewhat restrictive. I wanted to run 1" pipe in and out.
Anyone have any ideas? The pump comes with some fittings as shown in the pics, but they are somewhat restrictive. I wanted to run 1" pipe in and out.
Joshua1023
New member
That's odd. I'd give aquacave a shout and see what they have to say about it before you start breaking out the tools. FWIW the look of your pump is the same as mine, just upsized.
RandyStacyE
New member
Well ... this might be a good excuse to send it back and get the 2000 if you wanted to stick with your original plan. I find it hard to believe that they would be able to send you a new 3000 pump 'with the correct threads' if you know what I mean. All of the 3000s are likely the same I would assume.
Joshua1023
New member
If that is the case you could try to contact Aqua Medic and ask them if the Ocean Runner 3700 is the appropriate thread sizes for what you need. If so, it should be interchangeable w/ the OTP3000. I got a replacement output for my OTP2000 and it was $2 from Aqua Medic. I just asked for the output for an Ocean Runner 2700. The number for replacement Parts for the Ocean Runner pumps is.........Aqua Medic at 1-866-419-0086. If that iswhat you choose to do, you should know it only took three days for my replacement to show up.
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