Pump it up! Help please!

yodatwo · 03/29/2008, 09:08 PM

Can someone help me out with this...

I just started a new 100 gallamateuron build:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1351970

Here is my problem. I'm new to reefing and I bought an Iwaki pump that is way too strong for the sump--total amateur mistake. It's rated around 1400 gph. I think it also is creating micro bubbles in my DT as I can see them shooting out of the outlets. The micro bubbles are driving me insane. Plus the pump is pretty friggin loud.

I need to get rid of the Iwaki and buy a much more mellow pump. I'm thinking of a Pan World 40PX: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~JW1133.html

Do you think it's a good fit? Am i right that my pump for my sump should roughly 5x the size of my display tank?

Lastly, I have two Vortechs in the DT for circulation.

Please advise!!! Should I go ahead and get this pump?!

Maxxumless · 03/29/2008, 09:30 PM

GPH seems Ok at a glance... I would have installed valves on each of the returns; it would make flow more even and you could adjust later when you get stocked up. As far as noise is concerned, you have to mount the pump on something heavy/sturdy and place rubber gaskets between the pump and the mount so you wont get vibration. Also, a good mount may (just guessing) help with cavitation. Cavitation can occure when the pump is at the wrong angle IME or when you have alot of vibration of the pump. Just my 2 cents.

yodatwo · 03/29/2008, 11:44 PM

so do you think just adding valves on the return lines would solve my problem?

will it wear out the pump doing that?

also, if it's worth anything, i do have a valve on the exit of the sump, right before the pump. i could use that to lower to GPH of water coming through.

thanks!

melev · 03/30/2008, 05:54 AM

In that thread, it seems like the return section water line is too low. If you can see any microbubbles in the return section (grab a flashlight and look), then that is the source.

However, I believe the source is from your quick-connect JG fittings. They are probably leaking tiny bits of air in, just like a venturi.

Also, keep in mind that brand new plumbing takes up to 14 days to slime over, and then the bubbles may dissipate. For now, you can either way, or start tracking down possible sources.

Adding ball valves after the pump shouldn't hurt it, I've been told. I'm not an engineer though.

03/29/2008, 09:08 PM	#1
yodatwo Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 82	Pump it up! Help please! Can someone help me out with this... I just started a new 100 gallamateuron build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1351970 Here is my problem. I'm new to reefing and I bought an Iwaki pump that is way too strong for the sump--total amateur mistake. It's rated around 1400 gph. I think it also is creating micro bubbles in my DT as I can see them shooting out of the outlets. The micro bubbles are driving me insane. Plus the pump is pretty friggin loud. I need to get rid of the Iwaki and buy a much more mellow pump. I'm thinking of a Pan World 40PX: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~JW1133.html Do you think it's a good fit? Am i right that my pump for my sump should roughly 5x the size of my display tank? Lastly, I have two Vortechs in the DT for circulation. Please advise!!! Should I go ahead and get this pump?!

03/29/2008, 09:30 PM	#2
Maxxumless To the Max... Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,364	GPH seems Ok at a glance... I would have installed valves on each of the returns; it would make flow more even and you could adjust later when you get stocked up. As far as noise is concerned, you have to mount the pump on something heavy/sturdy and place rubber gaskets between the pump and the mount so you wont get vibration. Also, a good mount may (just guessing) help with cavitation. Cavitation can occure when the pump is at the wrong angle IME or when you have alot of vibration of the pump. Just my 2 cents.

03/29/2008, 11:44 PM	#3
yodatwo Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 82	so do you think just adding valves on the return lines would solve my problem? will it wear out the pump doing that? also, if it's worth anything, i do have a valve on the exit of the sump, right before the pump. i could use that to lower to GPH of water coming through. thanks!

03/30/2008, 05:54 AM	#4
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	In that thread, it seems like the return section water line is too low. If you can see any microbubbles in the return section (grab a flashlight and look), then that is the source. However, I believe the source is from your quick-connect JG fittings. They are probably leaking tiny bits of air in, just like a venturi. Also, keep in mind that brand new plumbing takes up to 14 days to slime over, and then the bubbles may dissipate. For now, you can either way, or start tracking down possible sources. Adding ball valves after the pump shouldn't hurt it, I've been told. I'm not an engineer though.