Pump Output Comparisons

[fredly]

Hey TRT,

First let me say sorry for posting something that you've all been through a hundred times (I read the posts!).

I'm adding myself to the long list of ex Rio owners. I've been reading old posts and reviewing others setups. Also been all over the web and visited a couple LFS's in the area. I was told today that a Sedra 5000 (500 gph) would pretty much kick my Rio 2500's behind in the flow rate deparment. That surprised me since I was thinking Mag 7/9.5 or Sen 700/900. I have been unable to find a flow chart for the Sedra 5000 anywhere. Are the flow numbers for Rios that exagerated? I've never really been dissatisfied with the flow rate of the Rio 2500 - when I can get the bugger to start.

Some pump considerations for my setup:
- 36" head through 3/4" with a single locline output
- 75g AGA with single corner overflow and 1" drain
- Rio 2500 unthrottled produces acceptable flow - probably can't stand too much more without overflow mods (wider slots)
- Minimal sump room (Rio barely fits) due EuroReef skimmer and float valve, so probably need to run inline
- Not practical to do closed loop ATT

Any thoughts on proper pump sizing given all that? Is the 5000 enough?


Fred

[Doug1]

Fred, from what I understand the Sedra pumps are same as Sen, which means they are huge. They work great but they are big suckers, my 900 is almost 3 times the size of the Mag18. I use 2 1" overflows with the Mag 18 so you will prolly be OK with the mag 9, the 7's have restart issues plus it ill drop in the sump easily

[fredly]

Thanks Doug!

Ditto on the size. The ksp3500 on my skimmer is larger than the Rio and the 5000 is...well, it isn't going to fit and would force an inline installation. If the Mag 9.5 will fit then that's my pump. I can always throttle it, and if it fits the sump then that lets me off the hook for drilling and plumbing for inline. From what I have found, the dimension comparison is like this:

Mag 9.5 = 5.5" x 3.4" x 5.0"
Rio 2500 = 5.1"x2.7"x3.7"

I didn't realize there was so little difference - except in the height dimension. I assume the mag is measured to the top of the output.

Fred