I am looking for some advise on what type pump and where to buy.
I need to push water up 7 feet into 1" return. I have another return so i dont need to max out but i want to buy the right one because i figure this is going to cost me like 200-$300. I have a gate value to adjust the volume but need a starting point
i love magdrives, they are strong and good for up to 20 feet of head depending on which one you want, here is a link with a comparison chart at least for reference (i bet other brands would have at least comparable numbers anyway)
Ive owned(still own) Mags and Reeflo’s(sequence) and the are both quality pumps.
A good thing about the Reeflo pumps is that if you restrict the output they are engineered to run more efficiently and last longer versus running them wide open.
Rich I use a Little Giant 4-MDQX-SC it has a max head high of 17 feet and draws 145 watts. I had mine for almost 10 years now and it runs constantly only being shut off for water changes. It’s never had any seals or anything replaced on it just gets couple drops of oil once a month. The pumps been run dry couple times and made crazy noises but it never fails to work. I’m thinking of replacing it just for piece of mind but keep it as a back up. Most likely will be getting another cause I had such good luck. Good luck with your choice and LMK when your ready to tackle that project if you need any help. :BEER
[quote=“TimH07, post:3, topic:2595”]
i love magdrives, they are strong and good for up to 20 feet of head depending on which one you want, here is a link with a comparison chart at least for reference (i bet other brands would have at least comparable numbers anyway)
[quote=“billrob71, post:6, topic:2595”]
Rich I use a Little Giant 4-MDQX-SC it has a max head high of 17 feet and draws 145 watts. I had mine for almost 10 years now and it runs constantly only being shut off for water changes. It’s never had any seals or anything replaced on it just gets couple drops of oil once a month. The pumps been run dry couple times and made crazy noises but it never fails to work. I’m thinking of replacing it just for piece of mind but keep it as a back up. Most likely will be getting another cause I had such good luck. Good luck with your choice and LMK when your ready to tackle that project if you need any help. :BEER
well rich, i’m using yr old bluline. isn’t that supposed to be the same as IWAKI, only quieter? didn’t u use it to push from the basement to the tank.
many thanks for it.
[quote=“moliken, post:12, topic:2595”]
well rich, i’m using yr old bluline. isn’t that supposed to be the same as IWAKI, only quieter? didn’t u use it to push from the basement to the tank.
many thanks for it.[/quote]
I am happy that the pump found a good home and that u are using it ;D. I bought it to push water through both of my returns and through a smaller chiller. The pressure and speed were to fast for the chiller and the 3/4" tubing. I have MH lights and need a chiller. Pumps are cheaper than chillers. I ended up using 2 pumps for two returns and things r good.
History of the New sump and fuge in the basement: My wife sd “ONE tank” and u are not drilling a hole in my floor to the basement. – Well-- Bill came over and sd - why not run a line next to the heater vent and “BAM” the basement project was born
[quote=“Gordonious, post:13, topic:2595”]
Rich is it 7 feet vertical or horizontal? Is the tank not drilled or the sump in a basement on a high shelf? [/quote]
I will have one return that runs through a 60G fuge upstairs in living room (because that fuge cannot be moved) Then have the other return drop into the basement where i will have the skimmer and chiller (less noise upstairs so the wife is on board).
The line drops into a 50G rubbermate (I have not purchased and am open to ideas) on the basement floor then pump up 3-4 feet into a 65G tank (purchase but not drilled). Then from there up 7 feet to the main DT upstairs.
I like my Mag9.5 It’s only pushing 5 feet but I have to T it off and most of the flow goes back in to the sump. If I run it full on my 2" return has trouble keeping up.
One thing to keep in mind since you mentioned a gate valve is that not all pumps can be restricted without causing premature wear and tear. If you need to dial it back I would suggest a T back to the sump with the gate valve on it instead of on the return line.
Hey Craig, doesn’t your mag push your fuge then gravity feed back to the DT? I have a mag 9.5 unrestricted and its not enough flow, i added 2 Hydor K4’s and a K1 to it for flow. i can see it being too much for a fuge though.
[quote=“TimH07, post:17, topic:2595”]
Hey Craig, doesn’t your mag push your fuge then gravity feed back to the DT?[/quote]
Correct - which is why I have to dial it back. If it pumped directly to the DT I think it’d be fine as a return. My point being I don’t think a Mag9.5 would have much issue pushing 7 or 17 feet as a return.
Well, before you buy a big super pump, What is the max flow capacity of your tank overflows? You can’t put more water in the tank than can go out. Once you are sure of that figure, you can size and price the best pump for you.
Things to consider in a proper pump are the delivered flow rate at your stated 7 foot pump head, the 1 inch supply pipe and bulkheads are good for minimal flow restriction, up to a point, and the watts for the pump. Submersible internal sump pump or inline external pump. Like all the sugestions show, there are a lot of choices. The ideal pump would meet your overflow capacity, run efficiently on the lowest watts, runs silent as possible and has a long reliable life with readily available low cost spare parts. Find a pump that is the best balance of all these things and you will be a Happy Reefer.