I'm setting up a Reefer 750 and the SP4 has the recommended amount of flow for the tank. I would like to have a manifold on the return to run my chiller. My question is will a SP6 with a ball valve on the output reduce the wattage used to around the same as the SP4 (if I was to dial it back to approx the same GPH)? After adding up all the extra lights, pumps and wavemakers i'm starting to get concerned about the running cost's so like to minimize energy usage where I can. Thanks!
Restricted Fluval SP6 vs SP4 wattage
- Thread starter green1181
- Start date
LQT
Active member
All AC pumps, when throttled back, the wattage consumed will decrease. For your size tank, running as a return as well as a manifold, I'd definitely go with the SP6 as the SP4 will be underpowered IMO when you factor in headless from your manifold.
As an example, I'm currently running an AC Sicce ADV 5.5 rated at 1400 gph with a max of 11.5 ft at 50 watts. I'm strictly running it as a return pump, no manifold, slightly dialed back 10% with a ball valve on my relatively small 57 gallon tank (36x18x20). According to my Apex power monitoring, the pump is using just 37 watts.
So on a Reefer 750XXL, I would personally go with the Fluval SP6 over the SP4.
As an example, I'm currently running an AC Sicce ADV 5.5 rated at 1400 gph with a max of 11.5 ft at 50 watts. I'm strictly running it as a return pump, no manifold, slightly dialed back 10% with a ball valve on my relatively small 57 gallon tank (36x18x20). According to my Apex power monitoring, the pump is using just 37 watts.
So on a Reefer 750XXL, I would personally go with the Fluval SP6 over the SP4.
robert s b.
Active member
Personally I think it will be too much. I ran a Fluval SP6, in my 300g with a 100g sump. I ran a manifold, that ran, 2 media reactors, calcium reactor and UV. SP6 is a strong pump
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My SP6 return pump, when running full throttle, uses 133W according to Apex. When I closed the ball valve down so it was at half strength the wattage went down to 114W. So either way still using a lot more than the SP4.
I have another SP6 running my manifold and secondary return, and that one also uses the full 135 watts. However when accounting for all the plumbing and split output, that only is only delivering about 650 GPH to my tank. I used to run an SP4 in this spot and it was only delivering about ~350GPH to the tank.
However this is using 1" PVC with a lot of 90 degree bends (which unfortunately are just part of the design of my tank). If I had the foresight to do all the plumbing with 1.25", I'll bet I could have gotten similar performance out of the SP4. Your plumbing will have a *major impact* on the water flow a pump is able to drive.
I have another SP6 running my manifold and secondary return, and that one also uses the full 135 watts. However when accounting for all the plumbing and split output, that only is only delivering about 650 GPH to my tank. I used to run an SP4 in this spot and it was only delivering about ~350GPH to the tank.
However this is using 1" PVC with a lot of 90 degree bends (which unfortunately are just part of the design of my tank). If I had the foresight to do all the plumbing with 1.25", I'll bet I could have gotten similar performance out of the SP4. Your plumbing will have a *major impact* on the water flow a pump is able to drive.
LQT
Active member
For a less powerful pump than the Fluval SP6, perhaps you could take a look at Sicce’s new line of energy efficient AC pumps, the ADV series. The Sicce ADV 9.0 delivers 2500 gph at 90 watts with a max head pressure of 15 feet. Like I said earlier, I’m running the ADV 5.5 and am very happy with it so far.
moondoggy4
Team RC
I have a Fluval Sp4 no manifold with a single drain for an overflow, and that pump is way to big for my system, I know two people with 225 gallon tanks with ghost overflows and they both sold their SP6 way too big.
moondoggy4
Team RC
Are you in So Cal?
I'm in remote Western Australia so my options are pretty limited. Can't find the Sicce online so I ended up ordering the SP4, should be here next week. Thanks for all the input everyone. I have a syncra 3.0 I can use to run chiller and reactor if it does end up being under-powered for my system.
moondoggy4
Team RC
^^^^ So I take it that you cannot come by and use my SP4 for a weekend,LOL
Maybe not haha, thanks for the offer though
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