Do I have the right pump?

[AquaDan]

Trying to determine if I have a suitable external pump for my system, which is 125 gallons, 6-foot glass tank with corner overflows (1 inch drain and ? inch returns).

Based on my plumbing setup, I have calculated that I have a total dynamic head pressure of approximately 12 feet.

Using the tables in The Reef Aquarium Vol.3, I added up my fittings and pipe-length at a flow rate of 1200GPH.


FYI: When I added up the pipe length, I included the pipes behind the overflow boxes(not sure if I was supposed to include that or not).


The guy I bought the tank from threw in an Awaki MD-55 RLT.

Is this pump OK? If not, what would you suggest?


Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[jaa1456]

I think you will be fine with it. I only like to have a 2-3 time turnover rate in my sump. More than that and the water is going through to fast to be skimmed properly or to have the fuge function right if you plan on a fuge.

 

[AquaDan]

I think you will be fine with it. I only like to have a 2-3 time turnover rate in my sump. More than that and the water is going through to fast to be skimmed properly or to have the fuge function right if you plan on a fuge.

Thanks Jaa. Yes I plan on having a fuge. Almost ready to have water in this thing!

 

[NewfiDog]

The head pressure is not the total length of the return piping its the height. Yes the fittings do add for the head but for aquarium use you raelly dont need to be concerned.

Is your pump in the basement or just under the cabinet, if its under the cabinet you dont have 12 feet head.

 

[AquaDan]

The head pressure is not the total length of the return piping its the height. Yes the fittings do add for the head but for aquarium use you raelly dont need to be concerned.

Is your pump in the basement or just under the cabinet, if its under the cabinet you dont have 12 feet head.

Thanks for replying Newfi,

My pump is located in my stand, approximately 28 inches below the tank. I figured that I probably misunderstood what I was reading, but doing these calculations is really above my head.

 

[NewfiDog]

Just use the hieght from the pump to the top of the tank this is close enough. Even if you figure the pipe and fittings its not both returns its the one with the highest head but the height will get you what you need to know.

 

[edd]

i was trying to figure out what pump to use, i read somewhere that every 90 adds 1ft of head, which i don't believe. i have 10ft head my sump is in basement. i went with a 70 blue line right now its too much but i plan on a couple of reactors so then ill see. the 70 is next size up from yours. i emailed blue line they said i needed the 100. i have to gate back the 70 cause i have 2 1" drains and they won't handle it. you have it so might as well try it if your using unions you can just swap out pump.