Let's Talk Manifolds Flow Gauges

[eandrews]

So, I throwing around the idea of pushing back to the 150g and the MRC2 skimmer with 1 Mag24. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on PVC sizing to build a manifold with 2 extra ball outlets.

1.5" vs. 1" - dropping to 3/4 on my return bulks and dropping or staying at 1" for the skimmer. I want to make sure the skimmer gets enough flow so has anyone used inexpensive flow gauges to measure it all out and equalize it?

Any info is much appreciated.

Eric

 

[gmpolan]

Well, i got boo'd out for using a mag 18 on my mr2 ( it does pretty good job) . So im sure majority of the folks will tell you to just flat out run the mag 24 to the skimmer and you ll get better results. I def dont think it will be enough to be used as a return and to feed the skimmer....hope this helps

 

[eandrews]

gmpolan;607738 wrote: Well, i got boo'd out for using a mag 18 on my mr2 ( it does pretty good job) . So im sure majority of the folks will tell you to just flat out run the mag 24 to the skimmer and you ll get better results. I def dont think it will be enough to be used as a return and to feed the skimmer....hope this helps

Yea its running with a Genx-PCX55 right now and tears it out nicely...

Well, I have options with a mag36 as well...

 

[jj ocean]

I run a Reeflo Hammerhead (5800gph) off of a 1.5" pipe (valved to be regulated) into a 6 outlet manifold (1" outlets) that are valve regulated as well. One of those outlets feeds my AquaC EV-400 skimmer. Plenty of flow for all my needs and no pressure issues with the diameters. I don't have pressure gauges ... use visual cues and feel.

You should not have issues with the mag going down from 1.5" to 1" with 2 outlets. You just might want to be careful if you completely closed 1 outlet.

 

[sts04c]

gmpolan;607738 wrote: Well, i got boo'd out for using a mag 18 on my mr2 ( it does pretty good job) . So im sure majority of the folks will tell you to just flat out run the mag 24 to the skimmer and you ll get better results. I def dont think it will be enough to be used as a return and to feed the skimmer....hope this helps

+1, talk with gnashty about it, he runs a mag 24 on his mr2 solo.

 

[gnashty]

yeah, we chatted about it earlier - My MRC is a dual beckett and his is a single. I thought that he could just feed the skimmer with the 24 (possibly 36 now that I think about it) and let the gate valve off the skimmer return to the display or use the manifold..

 

[gmpolan]

i honestly think the 36 would work....

 

[rbredding]

just to put it into perspective...

the mag 36 pump moves 3600 gph at 360w consumption

WHEREAS:
the quiet one 14000 pump moves 3307gph at 175w consumption
the SICCE Syncra 15 pupm moves 3910gph at 180w consumption


anyone still running a mag drive pump is insane.. it COSTS MORE to run.. (literally, twice as much as comparable pumps) and all these pumps cost over/at least $200

the MAG design is an inefficient design, that's outdated for today's sophisticated aquariums.

 

[sts04c]

Rbredding;607873 wrote: just to put it into perspective...

the mag 36 pump moves 3600 gph at 360w consumption

WHEREAS:
the quiet one 14000 pump moves 3307gph at 175w consumption
the SICCE Syncra 15 pupm moves 3910gph at 180w consumption


anyone still running a mag drive pump is insane.. it COSTS MORE to run.. (literally, twice as much as comparable pumps) and all these pumps cost over/at least $200

the MAG design is an inefficient design, that's outdated for today's sophisticated aquariums.

That's good info for buying new:up:, but I believe he currently has the Mag 36.

 

[lilrobb]

gnashty;607809 wrote: I thought that he could just feed the skimmer with the 24 (possibly 36 now that I think about it) and let the gate valve off the skimmer return to the display

UhOh,
Nice idea but there is zero pressure on the "out" of a skimmer - no chance to use that effluent for anything...

 

[gnashty]

LilRobb;607889 wrote: UhOh,
Nice idea but there is zero pressure on the "out" of a skimmer - no chance to use that effluent for anything...

:doh: I knew that

 

[gnashty]

I agree with this 100% - when I purchased mine Mag pumps were still "in" and the more trusted pumps on the market. when I replace im going quiet one

Rbredding;607873 wrote: just to put it into perspective...

the mag 36 pump moves 3600 gph at 360w consumption

WHEREAS:
the quiet one 14000 pump moves 3307gph at 175w consumption
the SICCE Syncra 15 pupm moves 3910gph at 180w consumption


anyone still running a mag drive pump is insane.. it COSTS MORE to run.. (literally, twice as much as comparable pumps) and all these pumps cost over/at least $200

the MAG design is an inefficient design, that's outdated for today's sophisticated aquariums.

 

[eandrews]

sts04c;607768 wrote: +1, talk with gnashty about it, he runs a mag 24 on his mr2 solo.

I don't really like that guy he seems to really be a real BLEEP

 

[eandrews]

After doing the numbers on power usage, its not the watts that are the killer is the true amps. The 24 is 3amps and the 36 is more!

I'm just going use a Genx-pcx55 rated for 1140gph with a 1.5" manifold, 4 1" oulets with valves and see where I end up on pressures before getting too complicated with flow gauges..

 

[rbredding]

sts04c;607878 wrote: That's good info for buying new:up:, but I believe he currently has the Mag 36.

EANDREWS;608086 wrote: After doing the numbers on power usage, its not the watts that are the killer is the true amps. The 24 is 3amps and the 36 is more!

watts and amps have a linear relationship where the voltage is constant between the two.

watts / 110volts = amps

180w/110V = 1.64A (using the specifications for the SICCE Syncra 15.0 pump given in my post above)

How long do you think it will take a pump running 24/7 to pay for itself when your other option is twice as expensive.. ? (I would tell you but I don't know what your electricity costs per KWH)

 

[eandrews]

yea but when you throttle back or tax the pressures and flow, it pulls more than the 1.6-3amps.... that where i think I'd get killed with the mag drive on this particular application...

The genx externals are built for pressure and vertical push...

 

[rbredding]

I thought you wanted to stay with an internal pump... (which I don't even like)


if you're going to go external.. get a Reeflo external pump.. my Reeflo snapper pulls less wattage than my blueline 40HDXX did and it pushes more water..


and the reeflo pumps actually pull LESS wattage if you valve it back.. (that's an even bigger no-brainer)

the pumps are extremely quiet