Pump Differences?

obadii · 06/15/2006, 09:06 PM

I am looking to purchase a pump as a return for my 120 reef ready. In researching pumps, I have come up with several questions I was hoping someone may shed some light on.

I am assuming a 7 - 10X turn over for my system of 770 - 1100 gal / hr (120 main + 30 sump - rough rock volume 40 = 110).

Submersible vs. in line. Which is better? Why would you use one over the other? I would assume that the submersible would be quieter (deadened by the water.) Is this true?

Head height. I know head height is the vertical distance from the pump to the output. I have a dual drilled reef ready tank. I plan on splitting the return to each corner. Does this mean I double the height requirements? (If five foot, with dual returns is it now ten foot?)

When selecting a pump is there anything I should know? What have you learned that you wish you knew before making a pump decision?

Thanks for any advice you can give!

-P

bertoni · 06/15/2006, 10:57 PM

To Reef Central

I would target maybe 500 gph through the sump. Splitting the lines won't double the pressure height. I think there's a small addition for 90 degree angles, though.

Some people think the in-line pumps are more reliable than the submersible. I don't know whether that's true or not.

obadii · 06/16/2006, 07:17 AM

Thanks!

-P

Bambalamb · 06/16/2006, 08:23 AM

Submersible pumps won't be any quieter than an in-line, but they will add heat to your water.

six.line · 06/16/2006, 08:47 AM

I think that it's a good idea to have the return pump account for 50%-60% of the flow. You can also get a series of powerheads, or preferrably, a closed loop system or two for the display tank.

I have a 120 gallon (completely empty) that I'm going to drill (I haven't yet.

) and I plan on using mag drive pumps. Lots of people like 'em, and they seem to be a good reliable pump. There are better, yes, but there are definitely far worse pump. For your return you'd probably good with a mag12, and then get a few powerheads for the display.

Remember, flow also depends on what you want to keep. Some corals/fish don't like high flow, others love it. Plan ahead.

Oh, and,

To Reef Central

oct2274 · 06/16/2006, 11:28 AM

3-5x is usually rule of thumb for flow through sump. i would highly recommend the eheim 1260. Its quiet, handles head pressure better than mags, and lasts longer than a mag. It does however cost a little more than a mag. Personally I would and did pay more for peace of mind. Btw, you can run this pump internal or external. I run mine external which helps keep the heat out of the aquarium even though the pump runs cool.

06/15/2006, 09:06 PM	#1
obadii Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 9	Pump Differences? I am looking to purchase a pump as a return for my 120 reef ready. In researching pumps, I have come up with several questions I was hoping someone may shed some light on. I am assuming a 7 - 10X turn over for my system of 770 - 1100 gal / hr (120 main + 30 sump - rough rock volume 40 = 110). Submersible vs. in line. Which is better? Why would you use one over the other? I would assume that the submersible would be quieter (deadened by the water.) Is this true? Head height. I know head height is the vertical distance from the pump to the output. I have a dual drilled reef ready tank. I plan on splitting the return to each corner. Does this mean I double the height requirements? (If five foot, with dual returns is it now ten foot?) When selecting a pump is there anything I should know? What have you learned that you wish you knew before making a pump decision? Thanks for any advice you can give! -P

06/15/2006, 10:57 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	*To Reef Central* I would target maybe 500 gph through the sump. Splitting the lines won't double the pressure height. I think there's a small addition for 90 degree angles, though. Some people think the in-line pumps are more reliable than the submersible. I don't know whether that's true or not. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

06/16/2006, 08:47 AM	#5
six.line Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Logan, UT Posts: 775	I think that it's a good idea to have the return pump account for 50%-60% of the flow. You can also get a series of powerheads, or preferrably, a closed loop system or two for the display tank. I have a 120 gallon (completely empty) that I'm going to drill (I haven't yet. ) and I plan on using mag drive pumps. Lots of people like 'em, and they seem to be a good reliable pump. There are better, yes, but there are definitely far worse pump. For your return you'd probably good with a mag12, and then get a few powerheads for the display. Remember, flow also depends on what you want to keep. Some corals/fish don't like high flow, others love it. Plan ahead. Oh, and, *To Reef Central* __________________ This post approved by Mrs. Sixline. assign <= six.line(#FFFFFF && string("nerdy")) Current Tank Info: 30 gallon with 10 gallon sump

06/16/2006, 07:17 AM	#3
obadii Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 9	Thanks! -P

06/16/2006, 08:23 AM	#4
Bambalamb Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 102	Submersible pumps won't be any quieter than an in-line, but they will add heat to your water.

06/16/2006, 11:28 AM	#6
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	3-5x is usually rule of thumb for flow through sump. i would highly recommend the eheim 1260. Its quiet, handles head pressure better than mags, and lasts longer than a mag. It does however cost a little more than a mag. Personally I would and did pay more for peace of mind. Btw, you can run this pump internal or external. I run mine external which helps keep the heat out of the aquarium even though the pump runs cool.