Suggest Return pump for 125 system

xian · 05/23/2006, 11:35 AM

I am beginning a 125 system with a basement sump.

The tank will have the usual 2 return lines

I will need to rise a maximum of 12 feet for head pressure but probably less as I will build a table to raise the sump off the basement floor. I'd like to install a drain in it to for ease in water changes.

I'm looking for a powerful pump for a good price.

Wryknow · 05/23/2006, 11:52 AM

I would recommend an Iwaki 40RLT external pump for a remote application like you're proposing. The head pressure will be the distance from the surface of your sump to the surface of your tank. There will also be pressure loss created by plumbing turns and friction. Any internal/external return pump powerful enough to handle that type of return situation is going to add a LOT of heat to your tank and will probably be very inefficient for what you're trying to accomplish. You might save a little money by going with a Pan-World but the return pump is NOT somewhere that you want to cut corners - it is the heart of your system and a mechanical failure with your return pump may mean a total system loss in a short time period.

05/23/2006, 11:35 AM	#1
xian Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Troy, NY Posts: 2,180	Suggest Return pump for 125 system I am beginning a 125 system with a basement sump. The tank will have the usual 2 return lines I will need to rise a maximum of 12 feet for head pressure but probably less as I will build a table to raise the sump off the basement floor. I'd like to install a drain in it to for ease in water changes. I'm looking for a powerful pump for a good price. __________________ -Matt Christian Define Irony: Algae growing on a snail. Current Tank Info: 125 gal planted lagoon

05/23/2006, 11:52 AM	#2
Wryknow Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,203	I would recommend an Iwaki 40RLT external pump for a remote application like you're proposing. The head pressure will be the distance from the surface of your sump to the surface of your tank. There will also be pressure loss created by plumbing turns and friction. Any internal/external return pump powerful enough to handle that type of return situation is going to add a LOT of heat to your tank and will probably be very inefficient for what you're trying to accomplish. You might save a little money by going with a Pan-World but the return pump is NOT somewhere that you want to cut corners - it is the heart of your system and a mechanical failure with your return pump may mean a total system loss in a short time period. __________________ You cannot use reason to change the opinion of a person that did not use reason to form their opinion in the first place. Current Tank Info: 65 G RR, w/ 50 G sump/refugium, DIY LED lighting, AquaMaxx CO-1 skimmer, Tunze 1073.050 return