Smallest pump possible

crankbait09 · 10/04/2015, 07:37 AM

I have two 32 gallon brute cans. I'm using one for my salt mix and one for the top off water.

In order to get the said water in to the tank, I'll need some type of pump onside each can to do this.

What is the smallest, inexpensive pump I can get to do this?

Do give you a quick rundown of my set up...I have two carts on a mobile cart that will be wheeled over to the tank each time I need to fill/top off. So the distance that this water needs to be pushed with a pump is only a few feet.

LuciDog · 10/04/2015, 07:50 AM

I bought a couple cheap ones off amazon for $30 a piece. Just watch your head height, so when the can gets low the pump still has enough power to get the water up and over.

Dkuhlmann · 10/04/2015, 08:03 AM

Yah look around Craigslist or even the big box marine places have 400-500 gph pumps for $30 or less

crankbait09 · 10/04/2015, 10:26 AM

I wasn't thinking of that head height again......that answers that question on what's needed

When topping g off water, do you top off the sump or do you top off the display tank?

billdogg · 10/04/2015, 10:41 AM

I top off to the sump to allow the freshwater to mix a bit before it gets to the DT.

And FWIW - you only need one pump - just move it to the barrel you are using. That will allow you to buy a larger pump than you might think you need and will let you pump the water faster. I use a mag18 to move my water, and when it dies (or I just can't stand it anymore, I will be getting something with the ability to move water faster. Standing there waiting for the tank to fill invites distraction (Oh - I can do X while the tank is filling) which will quickly turn in to a flood. (ask me how I know this)

Dkuhlmann · 10/04/2015, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

I top off to the sump to allow the freshwater to mix a bit before it gets to the DT.

And FWIW - you only need one pump - just move it to the barrel you are using. That will allow you to buy a larger pump than you might think you need and will let you pump the water faster. I use a mag18 to move my water, and when it dies (or I just can't stand it anymore, I will be getting something with the ability to move water faster. Standing there waiting for the tank to fill invites distraction (Oh - I can do X while the tank is filling) which will quickly turn in to a flood. (ask me how I know this)

I do the same thing, it just makes sense. And one other thing, I thought dumping freshwater in the sump would mess up the pods???? Think again LOL they love it when I dump the fresh rodi water on the chaeto

LuciDog · 10/04/2015, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

I top off to the sump to allow the freshwater to mix a bit before it gets to the DT.

And FWIW - you only need one pump - just move it to the barrel you are using. That will allow you to buy a larger pump than you might think you need and will let you pump the water faster. I use a mag18 to move my water, and when it dies (or I just can't stand it anymore, I will be getting something with the ability to move water faster. Standing there waiting for the tank to fill invites distraction (Oh - I can do X while the tank is filling) which will quickly turn in to a flood. (ask me how I know this)

This X1

Almost flooded my house yesterday 😐

10/04/2015, 07:37 AM	#1
crankbait09 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 932	Smallest pump possible I have two 32 gallon brute cans. I'm using one for my salt mix and one for the top off water. In order to get the said water in to the tank, I'll need some type of pump onside each can to do this. What is the smallest, inexpensive pump I can get to do this? Do give you a quick rundown of my set up...I have two carts on a mobile cart that will be wheeled over to the tank each time I need to fill/top off. So the distance that this water needs to be pushed with a pump is only a few feet.

10/04/2015, 07:50 AM	#2
LuciDog Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 355	I bought a couple cheap ones off amazon for $30 a piece. Just watch your head height, so when the can gets low the pump still has enough power to get the water up and over. __________________ Current tank info: 30gal sumpless 120gal with 40gal sump 90gal freshwater - 2 angel, blood parrot, 3 mystery snails, pleco, and a school of rasbora's

10/04/2015, 08:03 AM	#3
Dkuhlmann Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,823	Yah look around Craigslist or even the big box marine places have 400-500 gph pumps for $30 or less __________________ Previous tanks: 200 gal fowlr 9" Emperor Angel and many different butterfly fish 4" maroon clown and several other fish, 50 gal sump, 40 gal mixed reef/fish mostly softies and LPS. Current Tank Info: 40b 750 gph 45 lbs lr, 2"-3" sand, 165w full spectrum dimable LED, 20 gal sump/refugium 30 lbs lr, Bak Pak 2 skimmer, 4" sock temp 79-80, sg 1.026, NH3 0, NO2 0, NO3 <10, ph 8.2, calc 400, mag 1300

10/04/2015, 10:41 AM	#5
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I top off to the sump to allow the freshwater to mix a bit before it gets to the DT. And FWIW - you only need one pump - just move it to the barrel you are using. That will allow you to buy a larger pump than you might think you need and will let you pump the water faster. I use a mag18 to move my water, and when it dies (or I just can't stand it anymore, I will be getting something with the ability to move water faster. Standing there waiting for the tank to fill invites distraction (Oh - I can do X while the tank is filling) which will quickly turn in to a flood. (ask me how I know this) __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

10/04/2015, 10:26 AM	#4
crankbait09 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 932	I wasn't thinking of that head height again......that answers that question on what's needed When topping g off water, do you top off the sump or do you top off the display tank?