pump size

Michele · 12-20-2003, 06:19 AM

Hi,

I want to put my sump in my basement. I have a 120 gallon display tank. The sump ank will be 55 gallon, and I want to plant it. What size pump do I need to return up to my display tank, and what size hoses etc. I have 2 corner overflows. The basement has an 8 foot celining. The tank returns are about 4 feet off the ground where the water comes out of them. I was going to keep the sump on a stand so that it will be 3 feet off the ground.

I am ebarassed that I don't remember my college physics enough to do this one.... I loved inorganic chemistry!!!

Thanks!!!

gregt · 12-20-2003, 06:33 AM

This might help. http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

Not a simple answer though. It depends how much flow you want and how you are going to plumb it.

I noticed you mentioned hoses. Use PVC for long runs between floors. Hoses can crimp (reducing flow) and are a pain in the long run. Use a combination of regular PVC and flexible PVC instead.

JennM · 12-20-2003, 08:22 AM

I concur with Greg - pvc is the way to go. In tanks that I tend to that have plumbing in the basement, the sump is up on a high shelf, and return pump is either on the same shelf, or they have a monster pump on the floor beneath. For a few tanks I have to stand on a ladder to access the sump

Best thing to do is to calculate the total amount of head, and then check the charts for the pump(s) you are considering, to make sure you can get 10 times per hour turnover, considering the amount of head you are pumping.

HTH

Jenn

jrutler · 12-20-2003, 10:14 AM

I am using an Iwaki 70 RLT for my basement sump on my 135. I get 1400- 1500 gph flow. Approx 15' of height from the pump to the top of the aquaium.

I'm running 1.5" PVC for the drain. Also using 1.5 for most of the return line to reduce head loss.

I am very happy with this arrangement.

Jay