New guy from Co, needing some filter advise. - Page 2

Dans85 · 03/12/2013, 07:45 PM

Using the calculator, I made a rough estimate of what I would need.

5 vertical feet
2 horizontal feet
3/4'' pipe dia.
Maxijet 900 pump
3 90* elbows
1 45*
1 gate valve
1 swing check valve
1 pipe entry
1 pipe exit

Total losses are 5 feet of head pressure, or 2.16 PSI. with a flow rate of 0 GPH. Process took 13 iterations.

Does this mean that I wont loose any GPH?

Dans85 · 03/12/2013, 08:25 PM

This is the result of the calculator. This is using a Maxijet 900 with 5' of vertical and 2' of horizontal 3/4'' pipe.

Total losses are 5 feet of head pressure, or 2.16 PSI. with a flow rate of 0 GPH. Process took 13 iterations.

Does this mean I won't lost any GPH? I'm considering using a flexible vinyl tubing instead of hard piping the return for cost, maintenance, and flexibility reasons (no pun intended).

Instead of drilling, I found a system that uses a PVC stand pipe in the DT with a smaller siphon set down inside it. Using the overflow size calculator, it says that with I need 4'' of linear overflow size and .65'' of drain pipe size. Using a 3/4'' drain, what size should I use to get 4'' of overflow?

Sorry for the double post, I thought I forgot to post the first one.

nynick · 03/13/2013, 06:46 AM

I know nothing about those calculations but I can tell you one thing for sure. If you can drill, DO!!!!! Safer, quieter, cheaper...just better in every way if you do it right. The problem with vinyl tubing is that you might have problems fitting something (that I can't remember the name of

) in there to stop a possible back syphon incase of a power out. This can also be solved with a small hole 1/16th or less of an inch under your water level on the out part....IF you leave enough free volume in the sump to handle it.

edsbeaker · 03/13/2013, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dans85

This is the result of the calculator. This is using a Maxijet 900 with 5' of vertical and 2' of horizontal 3/4'' pipe.

Total losses are 5 feet of head pressure, or 2.16 PSI. with a flow rate of 0 GPH. Process took 13 iterations.

Does this mean I won't lost any GPH? I'm considering using a flexible vinyl tubing instead of hard piping the return for cost, maintenance, and flexibility reasons (no pun intended).

Instead of drilling, I found a system that uses a PVC stand pipe in the DT with a smaller siphon set down inside it. Using the overflow size calculator, it says that with I need 4'' of linear overflow size and .65'' of drain pipe size. Using a 3/4'' drain, what size should I use to get 4'' of overflow?

Sorry for the double post, I thought I forgot to post the first one.

0 GPH means that the pump is not strong enough and you will get no flow at all. To get flow of about 200-300 GPH, you will probably have to look at pumps that produce at least 500-600 GPH without any head loss. I kind of lost track of how out of date that head loss calculator is regarding pump brands. Sorry. A mag5 would be an appropriate size pump, as would an eheim compact 2000. Bulkreefsupply.com has many listed and they include flow at vertical head loss. The eheims are nice because, (I believe, so check) you can adjust the flow rate through the pump eliminating the need for a gate or ball valve.

Is the video of the overflow system the one you are considering. If so, think how ugly that thing would look in your tank. I'm not even sure it would work. There is absolutely no advantage for something that big and bulky to be in your tank. There are just too many alternatives that are better. I absolutely 100% agree with NYNICK that you should consider drilling for all the reasons he mentioned. It's scary to think of doing it, but is in reality quite easy. I'm a girl, and had no problem, although I'm a very hands on, DIY, kind of girl!

I do use vinyl hosing to connect all my plumbing, though. I find it easy to change out if things change and relatively quiet. All connectors would have a barbed end that the hose fits over, and a simple hose clamp to secure them. It's also easier then pvc would be if you need to add anything inline in the future. I've never had an issue.

Dans85 · 03/13/2013, 12:38 PM

Being an auto mechanic by trade, I don't have a problem drilling the tank, I just trying to save money where I can. I've read nothing but good reviews about the Maxijet pumps from Marineland, and they're very reasonably priced too, so that's the particular pump that I'm looking at getting. As far as the overflow, I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and get the kit that you linked earlier in this thread.

whyamisofly · 03/13/2013, 12:40 PM

Welcome to RC! Make sure you check in with the locals who are incredible to have nearby!
http://marinecolorado.org/

Dans85 · 03/13/2013, 04:20 PM

Awesome! Thanks for the welcome and the link

03/13/2013, 12:40 PM	#31
whyamisofly Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,241	Welcome to RC! Make sure you check in with the locals who are incredible to have nearby! http://marinecolorado.org/ __________________ "An aquarium is a hole between sheets of glass that the aquarist fills with money." Current Tank Info: 93g Cube

03/12/2013, 07:45 PM	#26
Dans85 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Montrose, Co Posts: 288	Using the calculator, I made a rough estimate of what I would need. 5 vertical feet 2 horizontal feet 3/4'' pipe dia. Maxijet 900 pump 3 90* elbows 1 45* 1 gate valve 1 swing check valve 1 pipe entry 1 pipe exit Total losses are 5 feet of head pressure, or 2.16 PSI. with a flow rate of 0 GPH. Process took 13 iterations. Does this mean that I wont loose any GPH?

03/12/2013, 08:25 PM	#27
Dans85 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Montrose, Co Posts: 288	This is the result of the calculator. This is using a Maxijet 900 with 5' of vertical and 2' of horizontal 3/4'' pipe. Total losses are 5 feet of head pressure, or 2.16 PSI. with a flow rate of 0 GPH. Process took 13 iterations. Does this mean I won't lost any GPH? I'm considering using a flexible vinyl tubing instead of hard piping the return for cost, maintenance, and flexibility reasons (no pun intended). Instead of drilling, I found a system that uses a PVC stand pipe in the DT with a smaller siphon set down inside it. Using the overflow size calculator, it says that with I need 4'' of linear overflow size and .65'' of drain pipe size. Using a 3/4'' drain, what size should I use to get 4'' of overflow? Sorry for the double post, I thought I forgot to post the first one.

03/13/2013, 06:46 AM	#28
nynick Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,029	I know nothing about those calculations but I can tell you one thing for sure. If you can drill, DO!!!!! Safer, quieter, cheaper...just better in every way if you do it right. The problem with vinyl tubing is that you might have problems fitting something (that I can't remember the name of ) in there to stop a possible back syphon incase of a power out. This can also be solved with a small hole 1/16th or less of an inch under your water level on the out part....IF you leave enough free volume in the sump to handle it.

03/13/2013, 12:38 PM	#30
Dans85 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Montrose, Co Posts: 288	Being an auto mechanic by trade, I don't have a problem drilling the tank, I just trying to save money where I can. I've read nothing but good reviews about the Maxijet pumps from Marineland, and they're very reasonably priced too, so that's the particular pump that I'm looking at getting. As far as the overflow, I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and get the kit that you linked earlier in this thread.

03/13/2013, 04:20 PM	#32
Dans85 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Montrose, Co Posts: 288	Awesome! Thanks for the welcome and the link