Using Basement sump pump for water changes

[TruespeedEM1]

Hey im trying to make life easier with water changes and need something to pump water from my storage bin to my tank. Can i use a basement sump pump placed in the storage tank to pump the water through tubing to my tank??? Any help is appreciated im currently standing in Home Depot lol.

 

[Tradewinds]

I'm by no means an expert, not even close, but the flow rate of a sump pump might be a little too strong. I use a sump pump to drain my pond in the spring and that bad boy really moves the water.

 

[TruespeedEM1]

im trying to move it through 32 feet of hose. I used a 264gph pump and it didnt even make it out of the top of the storage bin. I have a on/off on the end of the hose so I can cut it off whenever it needs to be

 

[Indymann99]

I pump WC water about 50ft through PVC to my sump for waterchanges

I use a mag 9.5 AND it is a spare pump for my return.

 

[Indymann99]

Some picts

 

[Todd_Sails]

32 ft of hose/pipe? What's the head/height on it.

There are smaller sump pumps, they are mainly for fresh water though AFAIK.

 

[TruespeedEM1]

32 ft of hose/pipe? What's the head/height on it.

There are smaller sump pumps, they are mainly for fresh water though AFAIK.

its 32ft of vinyl hose. head height will i guess be 4ft out of the tube the up to the top of my tanks. this sump pump is 2800gph, this thing should change the water for my neighbors house

I pump WC water about 50ft through PVC to my sump for waterchanges

I use a mag 9.5 AND it is a spare pump for my return.

I looked for that but i bought this for 50$ from harbor freight. The mag is almost triple that from what I found out online.

Im firing it up tonight and i'll let you know how it does. Im pretty sure this is what my LFS uses for his 50gallon drums and his pump is double the size of mine. It says on the pump it can be used for other household needs/gardening so we will see

 

[Todd_Sails]

But we're talking salt water, right?

 

[TruespeedEM1]

yes

 

[jcgd]

Be cautious, as I've heard some sump pumps can have parts with grease/ lubricants on parts that come into contact wit the water. You don't see it looking at the pump. It's not an issue when used as a sump pump but with water for aquariums it could pollute the water.

Just a thought.

 

[billdogg]

I use a pond pump rated at 3200gph for the very same thing. My hose is ~ 50'. Because the pump is restricted (reduced) right at the pump to fit the hose, it's actual gph is much lower. Yes it is a fresh water only pump - I rinse well after each use - they last about 3 - 4 years. I've been doing it this way for 25+ years with no problems.

 

[BeanAnimal]

The pump is not likely reef safe or for that matter suitable for marine use.

 

[alanbates12]

This is the sump I use and it works great,
http://www.lowes.com/pd_94086-15649...prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1I
bought it at Lowe's, damaged box so I paid $80.00, and use it to pump from my basement up a flight of stairs, about 40 feet of hose, into the DT. It does not come out forcefully but it's a good steady stream. I just attach it with a rubber band to the to part of the overflow and I stay close, just in case it falls off the tank, and let it fill up. Also as a cut off I use an extension cord and plug it in beside the aquarium so when it's full I just unplug it. Just remember to get the hose out of the tank when you turn it off or it will siphon back to your storage container. Good luck, Oh yea everything is encased in plastic and the impeller in also plastic so it's totally reef safe.

 

[TruespeedEM1]

This is the sump I use and it works great,
http://www.lowes.com/pd_94086-15649...prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1I
bought it at Lowe's, damaged box so I paid $80.00, and use it to pump from my basement up a flight of stairs, about 40 feet of hose, into the DT. It does not come out forcefully but it's a good steady stream. I just attach it with a rubber band to the to part of the overflow and I stay close, just in case it falls off the tank, and let it fill up. Also as a cut off I use an extension cord and plug it in beside the aquarium so when it's full I just unplug it. Just remember to get the hose out of the tank when you turn it off or it will siphon back to your storage container. Good luck, Oh yea everything is encased in plastic and the impeller in also plastic so it's totally reef safe.

I got the same exact thing, just more GPH. It works fine. Comes out strong full blast but with the on/off I can adjust it

 

[alanbates12]

Awesome, I've been using mine for a year with no problems. Just remember to take the hose out of your dt when you turn it off

 

[alanbates12]

I may try to incorparate Indymann99's set up with my pump to keep from rolling and unrolling hose.

 

[Daemonfly]

There's a couple longer basement sumps threads around, check those for excellent recommendations for pumps rated for higher head levels.