Pumps

[bruce 1]

OK I got some crazy questions about pumps. And I have researched them but do not get it on some things 100%. so Tank 225 to 240 gal. (going to be new tank)

Can one pump run everything? return, chiller, UV, Skimmer, Reactors (2), Or would I be better with 2 pumps? One for the return and one for the other stuff? Thank you Bruce

I am looking at Reeflo Super Dart Gold
Pump, 4,300 GPH WP-SQ-DART-SGL

 

[grouper therapy]

Depends on your plumbing configuration, where the sump is located from the display, the head loss experienced from the different devices(reactors etc.) the size pipe you are using. The dart definitely has enough flow to handle all the mentioned items plus a few but that can be drastically reduced by the above mentioned . To answer the question can one run everything ?Yes. For Question number 2 I'll ask you what do you think would be the advantage of a second pump? Bud makes a great point in another thread about being able to shut the return down during feeding but allowing other devices to continue running by using separate pumps. I agree with him if you are using a controller to shut the pumps off but if you are manually shutting them down then I would use one pump and a ball valve . I never shut down my return for feeding so no impact on my decision to run one. Hope that helps. It may help with answers if you let us know what you did find out in your research.

 

[bruce 1]

This is going to be a new tank. (not built yet) I can make the plumbing into any thing right now. Sump will be under tank along with everything else. What size plumbing would be best for this set up?

Edit: I do not see an advantage of a second pump. At least I do not think I do.

 

[grouper therapy]

The main advantage to using large pipe is that the head loss experienced from the fittings is drastically reduced which is a constant. It is much easier to adjust flow with a valve than pipe that can not be changed. I will try to find an example to show you.

Edit: For example Calculating the head loss experienced by a pump similar to yours If you were to use a 1.5" 90 degree elbow a head loss of 1.62' would be experienced. If you were to use a 2" instead that head loss would be reduced to.59' of loss. So the use of bigger pipe offers you a wider range of flow control with a valve instead of a fixed reduced flow with the piping .

 

[bruce 1]

I see. Ok. Pipe size. What would you use? 2 inch? Would you use the same for the bulk heads? 2 inch? Please excuse any errors I am on my droid and it auto corrects me.

 

[grouper therapy]

I would use 2" at the pump and manifold and all the way to the bulkheads then use whatever the tank is drilled for. By doing so you will restrict the pump to your specs not the pipes. This is not an absolute , the system would be fine with 1.5" inch but why create a fixed limitation?