What Size Pump?

KMP · 03/28/2007, 08:14 PM

I need to buy a new pump. I have a 65g RR tank w/Megaflow that's rated at 600gph. The pump I currently have pushes 400gph and I was going to upgrade to a 650gph pump. That said, for a little more money I could get a 950gph pump. So the questions are:

- When buying a pump should I take into consideration bends in the pipe, etc?
- If I got the 950gph pump would I have a hard time keeping my sump full (i.e. sump emptying quicker than waters coming in?

Any advice is appreciated.

Kenny

badpvtdan · 03/28/2007, 09:08 PM

You should take into account head loss.
The 950 will not empty your sump.

chImerAnz · 03/28/2007, 09:25 PM

Quote:

When buying a pump should I take into consideration bends in the pipe, etc?

No, loss is negligible and we're not working with fine tolerances when looking at circulation in a reef tank. The only thing you need to take into account as mentioned above is head loss. This should be rated on the pump spec's. Ensure you get a pressure rated pump if you're pumping high head.

Quote:

If I got the 950gph pump would I have a hard time keeping my sump full (i.e. sump emptying quicker than waters coming in?[

If your overflow and pipe down is sufficient size (say 1" or larger) then 950gph is fine. I run an Iwaki 55RLT @ about 10 foot head and it does around about 950gph to the tank. I have 1.5" (most restrictive hole coming out the overflow chamber) then 1.75" down from there. This review I wrote may help:

http://www.nzmas.co.nz/forums/viewtopic.php?t=368

spleify · 03/28/2007, 09:28 PM

Theres a head loss calculator on the RC home page also.

KMP · 03/29/2007, 07:12 AM

thanks guys. the head height for th e650gph pump is 8.5ft.

03/28/2007, 08:14 PM	#1
KMP Wag More; Bark Less Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NorCal Posts: 3,602	What Size Pump? I need to buy a new pump. I have a 65g RR tank w/Megaflow that's rated at 600gph. The pump I currently have pushes 400gph and I was going to upgrade to a 650gph pump. That said, for a little more money I could get a 950gph pump. So the questions are: - When buying a pump should I take into consideration bends in the pipe, etc? - If I got the 950gph pump would I have a hard time keeping my sump full (i.e. sump emptying quicker than waters coming in? Any advice is appreciated. Kenny

03/28/2007, 09:28 PM	#4
spleify Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 9,579	Theres a head loss calculator on the RC home page also. __________________ Make it a Great Day!!!! Current Tank Info: 60 gal SPS cube, with 25 gal refugium, 400W MH, DIY Lumenarc III, DIY skimmer, DIY stand and canopy. 40 breeder LPS with 40 gallon sump, DIY stand, 250W MH

03/29/2007, 07:12 AM	#5
KMP Wag More; Bark Less Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NorCal Posts: 3,602	thanks guys. the head height for th e650gph pump is 8.5ft. __________________ Kenny Current Tank Info: 70g Shallow Reef [Home]; 15g Starfire Cube [Office]

03/28/2007, 09:08 PM	#2
badpvtdan Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 170	You should take into account head loss. The 950 will not empty your sump.