Correct size pump for return?!?

Stercus Accidit · 11/02/2011, 06:44 PM

55 gallon with 15'ish gallon sump (not totally full on a 20gal)

I am setting up my sump with skimmer and ran into a pretty big problem today. I have an overflow box hanging on the back of the tank. To start I had a 3/4 bulkhead fitting draining in 3/4" tubing. I then went to a 1" bulkhead with 1.25 hose and still have the same issue. My return pump (via aqua 3600) was over flowing my tank, and nothing could keep up. Plus it creates so much flow, that all my sand is dug out and some of my mushrooms took a hard hit even with a 90 elbow pointed at the glass from 10" away. Obviously the return pump is WAY to large! I was told this pump would work "fine" at the LFS...just because they didn't have the correct size pump (via aqua 2600) I have yet to make it back to the LFS to see if I can even exchange the pump. They have a strict "no return, all sales final" policy and I will deal with them on that issue.

via aqua 3600 flows 729gph @ 4ft head
via aqua 2600 flows 476gph @ 4ft head

I am using a 1" bulkhead, 1.25" hose, have a 20gal sump 3/4 full, a Octopus NW150 skimmer, and 3/4" return hose. Will I be ok with the 2600 or do I need less than that?

Thank you for your help...LOVE the forum!!

SA

greech · 11/02/2011, 06:50 PM

No need to buy a new return. Go to the hardware store and pick up a plastic ball or gate valve and place it in your return line (after the pump output). This will allow you to dial in the pump to your overflow box's drain capacity.

This will not damage your pump and many hobbyists use this method on both drilled and non-drilled tanks. I have had a ball valve on my return for about 2 years and it has worked great! You may need some plastic, male threaded barb fittings to screw into the ends of the valve to attach your hose.

Stercus Accidit · 11/02/2011, 07:11 PM

was wondering about that, was just still fuming about the LFS so forgot to ask.

Thank you very much!

doctorgori · 11/03/2011, 01:07 AM

Just passing by....
Short answer: your main pump is critical; maybe chuck the cheap pumps as soon as you can get a mag or other reliable pump.... just gently suggesting that I wouldn't put the well being of potentially hundreds in livestock in the hands of a ViaAqua

ecupcar · 11/03/2011, 05:37 AM

Agree, ball valve and a decent mag pump. Pretty cheap fix and keeps the floor dry.

Stercus Accidit · 11/03/2011, 06:22 AM

I agree, and the plan is to upgrade the pump in 6-7 months.

Thanks! I did grab a ball valve this morning and should have it all running in a couple hours.

11/02/2011, 06:44 PM	#1
Stercus Accidit Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 85	Correct size pump for return?!? 55 gallon with 15'ish gallon sump (not totally full on a 20gal) I am setting up my sump with skimmer and ran into a pretty big problem today. I have an overflow box hanging on the back of the tank. To start I had a 3/4 bulkhead fitting draining in 3/4" tubing. I then went to a 1" bulkhead with 1.25 hose and still have the same issue. My return pump (via aqua 3600) was over flowing my tank, and nothing could keep up. Plus it creates so much flow, that all my sand is dug out and some of my mushrooms took a hard hit even with a 90 elbow pointed at the glass from 10" away. Obviously the return pump is WAY to large! I was told this pump would work "fine" at the LFS...just because they didn't have the correct size pump (via aqua 2600) I have yet to make it back to the LFS to see if I can even exchange the pump. They have a strict "no return, all sales final" policy and I will deal with them on that issue. via aqua 3600 flows 729gph @ 4ft head via aqua 2600 flows 476gph @ 4ft head I am using a 1" bulkhead, 1.25" hose, have a 20gal sump 3/4 full, a Octopus NW150 skimmer, and 3/4" return hose. Will I be ok with the 2600 or do I need less than that? Thank you for your help...LOVE the forum!! SA

11/02/2011, 06:50 PM	#2
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	No need to buy a new return. Go to the hardware store and pick up a plastic ball or gate valve and place it in your return line (after the pump output). This will allow you to dial in the pump to your overflow box's drain capacity. This will not damage your pump and many hobbyists use this method on both drilled and non-drilled tanks. I have had a ball valve on my return for about 2 years and it has worked great! You may need some plastic, male threaded barb fittings to screw into the ends of the valve to attach your hose. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

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11/02/2011, 07:11 PM	#3
Stercus Accidit Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 85	was wondering about that, was just still fuming about the LFS so forgot to ask. Thank you very much!

11/03/2011, 01:07 AM	#4
doctorgori Moved On Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Simon Bar-Sinistar Posts: 1,097	Just passing by.... Short answer: your main pump is critical; maybe chuck the cheap pumps as soon as you can get a mag or other reliable pump.... just gently suggesting that I wouldn't put the well being of potentially hundreds in livestock in the hands of a ViaAqua

11/03/2011, 05:37 AM	#5
ecupcar Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Lenox, Il Posts: 174	Agree, ball valve and a decent mag pump. Pretty cheap fix and keeps the floor dry.

11/03/2011, 06:22 AM	#6
Stercus Accidit Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 85	I agree, and the plan is to upgrade the pump in 6-7 months. Thanks! I did grab a ball valve this morning and should have it all running in a couple hours.