Reeflo hammerhead suction

foxt · 08/10/2016, 07:33 AM

I am considering a Hammerhead as the return pump for me basement sump with about 15' of head. I am using a 180g tank as my sump, and don't want to drill it. The manual shows that the pump can be installed with vertical suction on the intake., but it doesn't have any detail about what limitations there are on this. Does anyone run their reeflo in this config, and can you provide any detail?

Vinny Kreyling · 08/10/2016, 08:02 AM

Not a wise way to do it.
The pump will NOT self prime, it needs to be below water level to function correctly.
Drilling although daunting is not hard at all if you let the weight of the drill do the work.

reefeqmover · 08/10/2016, 08:15 AM

Drill it or get a different pump

foxt · 08/10/2016, 08:29 AM

Thanks for the replies. Given the head loss, the barracuda seems like the best option.. With Triton, I need about 2000 gph flow at 16' of head. I could consider two return pumps instead, but the barracuda has a better power consumption profile for the desired flow.

I am trying to avoid drilling the tank so that I can switch it out someday and use it asa dt if i want to. Reeflo shows the vertical suction option, but they do also show a check valve in the line (to preserve prime). What if i run a siphon from the sump to a smaller tank that I drill for the return pump?

ostrow · 08/10/2016, 08:58 AM

I use a Hammerhead and I am sure the flow is good enough for you (esp the gold). If I were you, I would just email Chris (chrisg@reeflopumps.com) and see what he says.

foxt · 08/10/2016, 03:10 PM

Thanks, I will try that.

08/10/2016, 07:33 AM	#1
foxt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Hudson Valley NY Posts: 120	Reeflo hammerhead suction I am considering a Hammerhead as the return pump for me basement sump with about 15' of head. I am using a 180g tank as my sump, and don't want to drill it. The manual shows that the pump can be installed with vertical suction on the intake., but it doesn't have any detail about what limitations there are on this. Does anyone run their reeflo in this config, and can you provide any detail?

08/10/2016, 08:02 AM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Not a wise way to do it. The pump will NOT self prime, it needs to be below water level to function correctly. Drilling although daunting is not hard at all if you let the weight of the drill do the work. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

08/10/2016, 08:58 AM	#5
ostrow It's Dr. Goodluck Himself Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 11,654	I use a Hammerhead and I am sure the flow is good enough for you (esp the gold). If I were you, I would just email Chris (chrisg@reeflopumps.com) and see what he says. __________________ It's the return of Dr. Goodluck Himself. fml! Current Tank Info: 156G "brick", 150 sump and 75 fuge replaces Fire, Destruction, Sad :(

08/10/2016, 08:15 AM	#3
reefeqmover Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: US Posts: 42	Drill it or get a different pump

08/10/2016, 08:29 AM	#4
foxt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Hudson Valley NY Posts: 120	Thanks for the replies. Given the head loss, the barracuda seems like the best option.. With Triton, I need about 2000 gph flow at 16' of head. I could consider two return pumps instead, but the barracuda has a better power consumption profile for the desired flow. I am trying to avoid drilling the tank so that I can switch it out someday and use it asa dt if i want to. Reeflo shows the vertical suction option, but they do also show a check valve in the line (to preserve prime). What if i run a siphon from the sump to a smaller tank that I drill for the return pump?

08/10/2016, 03:10 PM	#6
foxt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Hudson Valley NY Posts: 120	Thanks, I will try that.