Sump location

[Munch]

Anyone running a remote sump?

I have a new tank going in, on my first floor, I think I want to locate my sump in the basement. Make it super easy for water changes and ATO. Any reason NOT to do this?

 

[sethsolomon]

The only reason I can think of is because the lifter pumps are expensive

 

[Munch]

I happen to have a Pan World 50PX-X Magnetic Water Pump. Display tank is 75 gallon, sump maybe 40.

•Max Flow: 1110gph
•Max Head: 13ft


Would that be enough?

 

[daverf]

Agree with Seth, as long as added cost to plumb and any house modifications you need to do are not a barrier than it's a way better way to have a setup. Seems you'd need more than 13 feet to get to the top of the tank, from the bottom of the basement? If not, and if you're not trying to achieve any display tank flow/circulation using the return pump (since at max head the flow would be a lot lower), then that pump probably work.

 

[FinsUp]

We do. It's amazing. Do it. You won't regret it. 10 min water changes. Clean electrical look. Quiet operation. Ability to have a HUGE sump. Spills don't cause problems.

 

[Munch]

I'm thinking the sump would be on a stand in the basement, so I have about 6 feet of head room to travel there, then another 5 feet for the display tank, from the floor to the top of the tank. I'd have two Tunze pumps in the display tank for additional flow.

 

[Dr.DiSilicate]

don't forget that every elbow, union, etc adds head. I am by no means an expert but I think you are pushing it with that pump. Maybe mike, cindy or craig will chime in with an opinion. They all have basement sumps. Following along for my own build for sure.

 

[Munch]

Ok, so what pump would someone recommend? Assume I didn't have this pump... What do I need 1500GPH? 2000GPH? 3600GPH?

Here's a smoking deal on the 3600GPH's, $289!

http://www.amazon.com/Sequence-Pump...ASESNAPPER+Reeflo+Snapper+Aquarium+Water+Pump

 

[jahmic]

Check out this calculator...should help once you have a good idea of the length of pvc pipe you'll be running and how many elbows etc you will be incorporating.

http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

 

[Munch]

Saw that, and this: http://reefbuilders.com/2007/06/12/pump-head-loss-calculator-for-saltwater-aquariums/

So this tells me what GPH I'll have for my specific conditions, perfect!

Next question is what GPH do I need for a 75 gallon reef tank? 10x min? 20x ideal?

And do powerheads eat into this number, or is this purely what the return pump needs to handle?

 

[algaeman]

Most big pumps will have a head/flow chart available from the vendor. If you calculate your head loss from jahmic's link above, you will be able to match that on the flow chart to get an estimate of your flow rate. Most pumps get very piddly flows near the top of their head loss range. Some are designed for "high pressure" flow (aka high head lossses).

 

[FinsUp]

We use one that's a variable powered pump. Reeflo Hammerhead. Mike will prolly chime in later about it. I'm no expert. When he recommends something, I just nod my head and say, "Yessir. If you say so."

 

[sethsolomon]

I would go with a reeflo dart at the minimum

 

[Munch]

Can anyone answer what ideal flow rates are on a reef tank?

I see 10x 20x and upto 50x?

Also, does your poweheads work into that number?

Simple example: So if I have a 75 gallon tank, and want 20x. I'm at 1500GPH. If I have a 1000GPH pump (which includes head loss, bends, etc) and 2 250GPH powerheads, am I good?

 

[Andrew_bram]

Sump location

Plus they are made in America. Right here in Colorado Springs.

 

[sethsolomon]

you want to cycle at least 5x the volume of your tank every hour for return pump. Intank flow i like to have about 1500-2000gph of flow with koralias or votrecs

 

[Munch]

Thanks, learned a lot today

 

[sethsolomon]

Keep asking questions if you need answers we are here to help

 

[Smiley]

Re: Sump location

Don't try to depend on return pump for flow.....thats what powerheads are for. Use flex spa pipe as much as possible to alleviate any loss from elbows and such. 10x turnover is about what you want for return.

Sent from my C771

 

[Munch]

Any issue with using flexible vinyl tubing for return and drain lines from 1st floor to basement? I have 2 - 1" ID drains, and 1 - 3/4" ID return. I plan on using the proper plastic hose clamps as well. It would greatly simplify my plumbing job.