How big an external Pressure pump for skimmer?

amandap80 · 03-22-2008, 10:10 AM

Ok, question of the day. DBF (dear boy friend) wants to create a waste water re-circulating system for the RODI unti, and wants to buy an external pressure rated pump. Since it had been recommended for me to get the same type of pump for my TopFathom 200 venturi skimmer, I wanted to get some recommendations. You know, in case the re-circulating project doesn't work out and I can use the pump on my skimmer

I have a 90 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump.
Here is the pump he has found for his project, of course with a lower PSI to match house faucet pressure.
FlowJet 1.5 gallon per minute
60 PSI
$75

How big of an external pressure rated pump would I need for my skimmer, would this be big enough? It seems not to me, but I only know in GPH-M standards.

Fly Guy · 03-22-2008, 01:18 PM

NMI-need more information. what kind of skimmer?? all details needed

Im curious about the boyfriends reclaimation idea. If it is to reclaim the water and push it back through the RO/DI dont bother. It will cost you more in filters and membranes than it will save you. If its to reclaim the water and use it for water ing outside and household duties. Good for him and good luck.

Hop · 03-22-2008, 01:25 PM

They recomend the Iwaki30rlt for your skimmer Amanda

The panworld 50px may also suit the bill... Understand that the pumps push less water than the pump you have. but it handles the head brought on by the venturi that your current pump struggles with. I'm not familiar with the pump you mention in the post, but I'm hesitant to use pumps not designed for aquaria use as often times the water is exposed to metal, or the seals don't hold up to SW use

I second fly's response about the RO issue...

amandap80 · 03-22-2008, 07:35 PM

Actually, it is to re-claim the water to run thru the RO again. He is bothered by the 4 gallons of waste water to the 1 gallon of product. So, is it a waste of time then?

Hop · 03-22-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amandap80

Actually, it is to re-claim the water to run thru the RO again. He is bothered by the 4 gallons of waste water to the 1 gallon of product. So, is it a waste of time then?

Sort of... You can add a piggyback RO membrane for about $100 and make twice as much water, but the second membrane depletes quicker. But doing what he wants to do is not a great idea as the water is higher in the things that the RO unit is meant to get rid of.

In the summer, I use the discarded water for the garden on a drip line and in the winter I'll use it for a few other things, but most of it goes in the drain I'm afraid.

frankandmaura · 03-22-2008, 08:18 PM

I wish we could send our waste water down to Georgia and those places that have had a hard go of it in the past couple of years...personally in NY we have had PLENTY of water and I don't really care a bit about wasting it. Of course we are paying for it and all, but...it is plentiful here (knocking on wood and being thankful for not being in the same situation as some of those places down south).