Return pumps

[Abarger16]

Okay so ill be placing my sump in my basement! And ive been trying to decide if i should go with a reeflo swordtail pump or 2 neptune cor20s i need about 10 feet of head pressue and im up in the air at this point sound isnt a problem cause the equipment will be in the basement

[Parzifal]

Just some questions about the setup.

 

is there exactly 10 feet between the bottom of the pump and the top of the tank?

Are there any turns the piping will go through?

what’s the flow rate you’re looking for?

[CuttleFishandCoral]

What size tank is it? A high head pressure pump is probably needed like a reeflo. 

[Abarger16]

Im looking for about 1000gph its not 10 feet exactly its more like 7'6" of vertical and im trying to only use 3 90s in the system so i figured 10ft of head pressure is a decent estimate 

[Saltwater newbie]

Use 45 fittings instead of 90 fittings there will be less restrictions 

[markv]

I recommend Iwaki pumps for pressure or high head applications.

[Abarger16]

On 5/3/2022 at 11:18 AM, CuttleFishandCoral said:

What size tank is it? A high head pressure pump is probably needed like a reeflo. 

Its standard 75. And will be pulling from a 40b sump

[Parzifal]

Sorry,  I’m still stuck on there only being 10’ of head pressure. 
 

if your sump is in the basement, I assume it’s either on the floor or on a 3’ stand…. Assuming the basement is 84” tall and your using standard floor joists and your display tank is 5’ off the floor, add 3’ for 90 elbows and 2’ for those wonderful “oh [language filter], I didn’t think about that” occurrences you’re at 15’ of head pressure minimum, if the sump is on a stand.  If not, you’re looking at 18’ of head.
 

I agree with @markv,  iwaki pumps will probably be your most economical to do the job (they are AC external pumps).  If you’re looking for an internal pump then you’re starting to look at red dragons, abyzz…tougher to pump out 1000gph reliably with 15’ of head. External pumps are still simply vastly more economical for high head pressure situations.  There are several internals that will do it…they just will cost a ton.

as for 45 vs 90 elbows… when you get down to the nitty gritty lovely math   2x 45’s actually add more head pressure than one 90,  but it’s so slight it’s not worth adding any stress about it.  Use whichever they both work the same. 

[SuncrestReef]

FYI:  I have a COR20 on my Reefer XL 425.  It's plumbed with 1" PVC, has 3 x 90 degree elbows and 2 x 45 degree elbows before exiting through the Red Sea nozzle which is only about 5/8".  Total plumbing height is only about 4 feet, yet my flow never exceeds 450 gph.

[Abarger16]

Im starting to think that 1000gph is dragon I shouldnt be chasing!

[Parzifal]

It depends,  if you want a super clean look with no power heads,  that’s a great flow number and doable,   Just gonna cost you an extra $600 versus a lower head pump plus power heads. 

i don’t like the aesthetics of powerheads, so I went with an abyzz (when it was half the current price).  Some people think that was a $&@!ing dumb waste of money…and they are not wrong, but it produces the turnover I need without the requirement for additional powerheads.

most go for a lower cost pump with extra powerheads because the higher cost of these internal high head silent DC pumps is extra money spent for zero husbandry benefit to our pets.

 

the only real question is: is it worth an extra $600-800 for this one piece of equipment to get the exact picture you have in your head?

[Abarger16]

Well I suppose I should wait until I have my drains plumbed and am ready to do my returns! But im liking the iwaki md40rxt and the md55rlt for now.

[Abarger16]

Looks like im picking up a used iwaki md55rlt for 120 bucks figured even if it needs a complete rebuild ill still be ahead.

Edited May 7, 2022 by Abarger16
Fixed errors

[Parzifal]

Good call!!   If you need to sand down the shaft due to rust make sure to use a high grit sandpaper like 320+ and just plug in the motor.  The shaft spinning is way better than trying to do it by hand. 
 

just make sure all parts that could hit you are removed!   

[Abarger16]

So the deal might be falling through on the iwaki anyone have any experience with blueline pumps?

[markv]

I have a noisy Blueline 100 that I will give you

[Abarger16]

Where are you at when can i oick it up lol 

[Bicyclebill]

I ran an external blueline for a couple years. Bulletproof, highly recommend.