What return pump to use

[kac01]

Have a new person getting in the hobby that will be placing a sump about 10 feet away from top of tank. What would be a good internal pump for him to use on a 75 gallon reef ready rimless tank? Thanks

 

[A sea K]

Try this headloss calculator from the RC homepage http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/head-loss-calculator.
I personally target a return that provides 3 to 5 times the display volume turnover per hour so for the 75 I'd look for 225 to 375 gph after headloss.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Whatever volume of pump you go for, consider a DC pump that has multiple speeds so you can increase or decrease the flow if you want/need to. Example: I have a 200g system and use a DCT15000 that has 10 speeds and I run it at 4.

 

[A sea K]

Whatever volume of pump you go for, consider a DC pump that has multiple speeds so you can increase or decrease the flow if you want/need to. Example: I have a 200g system and use a DCT15000 that has 10 speeds and I run it at 4.

I hear much to do about the DC pumps and in all honesty I just dont get it. Select the proper pump in the first place and be done with it, I really cant justify the additional cost for a pump that I really dont see a need for adjusting.

 

[Sk8r]

Another method is to install a gate valve on the 'up' line (never on the drain line!!!!!) that can rein in a too-enthusiastic pump just a shade.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I hear much to do about the DC pumps and in all honesty I just dont get it. Select the proper pump in the first place and be done with it, I really cant justify the additional cost for a pump that I really dont see a need for adjusting.

So you've never considered having some flexibility or ability to adjust your system? Example: You buy a good pump that will push 500gph and it fits your system perfectly. Then you switch from t5 to MH lights and your water gets too warm so you add a chiller. Now you need more flow. Do you buy an additional pump just for the chiller or a new bigger pump to run both?

If you had a DC pump with speed control all you would have to do is push a button and you move more water. Simple solution. Besides, I didn't say the DC pump was the only way, I just said the OP should consider it.

Also works if you want to add a reactor for GFO or carbon, a phosphate reactor, a remote DSB or a remote refugium...

It's not that there is "much to do" about DC pumps with speed control. It's just easier than replacing a perfectly good pump with another good pump just because you add something to the system.

 

[Green Chromis]

So you've never considered having some flexibility or ability to adjust your system? Example: You buy a good pump that will push 500gph and it fits your system perfectly. Then you switch from t5 to MH lights and your water gets too warm so you add a chiller. Now you need more flow. Do you buy an additional pump just for the chiller or a new bigger pump to run both?

If you had a DC pump with speed control all you would have to do is push a button and you move more water. Simple solution. Besides, I didn't say the DC pump was the only way, I just said the OP should consider it.

Also works if you want to add a reactor for GFO or carbon, a phosphate reactor, a remote DSB or a remote refugium...

It's not that there is "much to do" about DC pumps with speed control. It's just easier than replacing a perfectly good pump with another good pump just because you add something to the system.

:fish1: Sorry to change the subject, Hi Ron, are the DC pumps you mentioned pressure rated? I need to use pressure rated pumps for my return and protein skimmer, as my chiller is outside and the lines run underground from the pump to the chiller and back to the tank. My skimmer is an ETSS 1500 skimmer, which needs a pressure rated pump, and I use Iwaki 100 RLT's for both pumps, sure would be nice to use DC pumps if they can push the flow I need. :fish1:

 

[Fdnavy]

2nd on the D.C. Pumps. I also have the jebao and so far, I am very happy with it. I like that it's flexible enough that I don't have to worry about spending more in the future. I will say they are Chinese made pumps. Some people question long term reliability, but as long as you give it a vinegar bath every 2 or 3 months you should be good.

 

[Jdack]

go big, can always route the return line into a y, and use it for a recirculating skimmer, reactor, etc.

 

[Ron Reefman]

:fish1: Sorry to change the subject, Hi Ron, are the DC pumps you mentioned pressure rated? I need to use pressure rated pumps for my return and protein skimmer, as my chiller is outside and the lines run underground from the pump to the chiller and back to the tank. My skimmer is an ETSS 1500 skimmer, which needs a pressure rated pump, and I use Iwaki 100 RLT's for both pumps, sure would be nice to use DC pumps if they can push the flow I need. :fish1:

I don't know what you mean by 'pressure rated'?

I know DC pumps don't push head pressure as well as other pumps. But the ability should be listed in any spec sheet for any pump. It shold be in the ad for the pump of it should be able to be found by Google. If you can't find it, I wouldn't buy the pump.

I have a Jebao DCT15000 running at half speed (actually 4 out of 10) and it runs to a 125g reef, a 50g display refugium, a Next Reef reactor and out of the house to a 1HP chiller in the backyard (20' of pipe each way). My skimmer runs off it's own pump. I put gate valves inline to each outlet so I could control the flow. Ball valves can work, but gate valves are far less prone to get stuck and have MUCH finer control.

 

[Green Chromis]

I don't know what you mean by 'pressure rated'?

I know DC pumps don't push head pressure as well as other pumps. But the ability should be listed in any spec sheet for any pump. It shold be in the ad for the pump of it should be able to be found by Google. If you can't find it, I wouldn't buy the pump.

I have a Jebao DCT15000 running at half speed (actually 4 out of 10) and it runs to a 125g reef, a 50g display refugium, a Next Reef reactor and out of the house to a 1HP chiller in the backyard (20' of pipe each way). My skimmer runs off it's own pump. I put gate valves inline to each outlet so I could control the flow. Ball valves can work, but gate valves are far less prone to get stuck and have MUCH finer control.

:fish1: Hi Ron, by pressure rated, I mean head pressure, so yes I think they will work, I will look up the specs on these and other DC pumps. Thanks. :fish1:

 

[Breadman03]

From my basic and potential misunderstanding, volute and impeller designs vary a bit. Some are designed to provide higher flow, but quickly drop off as head increases. Others may not have as great peak flow, but the flow curve is flatter as head increases.

Consider Blueline's flow chart. Note how the HD30X and HD40X start off with high flow, but drop more quickly than their pressure pumps.