Using a single, submersible pump?

[Tylt33]

Am I missing any problems with using a single submersible pump to power a protein skimmer, chiller, and returns to a tank? Assuming that it was powerful enough in terms of gph, would there be any other problems? I'm guessing that I'd need ball valves to control flow rates to the individual components... any other potential problems?

Thank you!

 

[Mr. Brooks]

Probably not going to find a submersible powerful enough to handle it all. I'm running an Eheim 1262 return. I'm going to run my chiller and reactors on a 1260. A Dart would handle everything. Not submersible though..

 

[NeveSSL]

What kind of skimmer?

I don't think there are any submersible pumps that could handle that, but many external pumps may be able to.

Brandon

 

[46FiatYamaha]

if you did find a submersible big enough (maybe mag 18?) it would be quite large and warm up the water a bit, but like stated above I would use several smaller size submersibles or a larger rated external.

 

[DarG]

I agree in that I dont think you will find a submersible capable of doing it, not with the skimmer. Unless it is just the feed pump for a recirc skimmer, then you could probably do it with a large submersible. If the skimmer is a venturi, beckett or downdraft requiring a stong pump, I think you better consider a dedicated skimmer pump or a large external.
You also have to consider the flow specs for the chiller. You want to atleast meet the minimum flow through specs for the chiller for it to operate most efficiently.

 

[Tylt33]

I was considering the Red Dragon 2 rated at 4000 gph. I currently am running an Eheim 1262, Mag 18, and Mag 12 to power everything, and they're keeping the water around 7 degrees above room temperature. That's going to add up to a lot of chilling costs this summer! The Red Dragon is half the wattage, meaning half the energy use and a lot less heat going in to the water...

Does that make sense? I dunno, I'm trying to figure out how to cut energy costs before I get kicked out of the house.

 

[DarG]

What type of skimmer is it that you have?

Also, because an external pump doesnt sit in the water it also transfers less heat to the tank. Any way to go to an external? There are some pretty efficient externals that crank out alot of water, pressure rated for the skimmer and dont cost an arm and a leg and wont heat the water anywhere near what you are experiencing now.

 

[Tylt33]

I have a 30" LifeReef skimmer, which uses the Mag 12. Unfortunately I can't go external because my sump takes up my entire cabinet (I know, poor planning on my part). More than anything I just need to get these pumps out of the water I suppose... maybe it will take some creative plumbing.

 

[DarG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14811436#post14811436 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tylt33
I have a 30" LifeReef skimmer, which uses the Mag 12. Unfortunately I can't go external because my sump takes up my entire cabinet (I know, poor planning on my part). More than anything I just need to get these pumps out of the water I suppose... maybe it will take some creative plumbing.

I know the skimmer. Pressure rated pump rated for about 1200 GPH and the outflow from the 36" version of the skimmer is only about 350 GPH. Takes a good deal of pump to drive. Non pressure rated pump loses more flow to the pressure.

Whatever you do, if its a one pump solution, you will definitely need to use a valve to force enough flow to the skimmer.

 

[Tylt33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14811488#post14811488 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DarG
I know the skimmer. Pressure rated pump rated for about 1200 GPH and the outflow from the 36" version of the skimmer is only about 350 GPH. Takes a good deal of pump to drive. Non pressure rated pump loses more flow to the pressure.

Whatever you do, if its a one pump solution, you will definitely need to use a valve to force enough flow to the skimmer.

Maybe I'll just leave the Mag 12 in the tank and swap the Mag 18 and Eheim 1260 out for a single, more efficient submersible pump. It's gotta be a beast of a pump though, it will be pushing water through a JBJ 1/3 HP chiller and two refugiums, as well as returning to the tank.