sump pump

[ivegotcrabs]

i know there is a post somewhere but i cant find it so......
i have a 125 i am going to put a 30 gal sump
so Q is what size mag pump do i need for the return:stooges:

 

[weaglereefer]

Are you feeding anything else off of it? Skimmer? Reactors?

If not, a Mag 9.5 or 12 would do fine, and you could split for multiple returns (assuming you have dual overflows).

Keep in mind, you don't necessarily NEED a Mag pump, there are other brands as well that will run quieter and cooler.

 

[kelleyga36]

Quiet one 3000

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

While I'm a fan of the Mag pumps, they do put off heat. Eheim 1260 (I think that's the right model number), Quiet One 4000 or a Oceanrunner 6500 would all be good choices.

 

[ivegotcrabs]

i will be adding an in sump skimmer when i can afford it
and it will probably be a single over flow due to tank location
heat is an issue for me so best for the money with little heat is what i need

 

[weaglereefer]

Do you have a sump yet? Might look into running an external pump as that will help with heat as well.

 

[ivegotcrabs]

i am getting a sump from jead he said its not drilled so i will use a submersable i guess

 

[weaglereefer]

Several members here can drill holes, and they usually do it free for club members *wink*.

Take it from me, don't compromise on your build, or you will end up buying 2-3 times before you're happy and will have spent 2-3x as much...

Even right now, I'm looking for a bit larger return pump because I didn't plan ahead...it will be my 3rd...

 

[ivegotcrabs]

im not a paid member YET
another Q is do i need a float switch 4 the return pump
i have no idea how they run so i will probably need someone to walk me through the set up

 

[weaglereefer]

Well, with a single overflow, you're are looking at a box that sits in the tank, drains water to the sump, and the pump returns it.

There is no float switch needed because when the whole thing is set up correctly, the overflow will only let down as much water as is being pumped out (note, this WILL NOT BE A SIPHON) and it will balance out. Float switches come into play for auto top offs, and various other things.


Check this site here for info on how sumps work. We had this guy as a speaker earlier this year and I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone who didn't learn something.

 

[ivegotcrabs]

that cleared up a lot
i cant believe i didnt understand that
ok it makes sense now
i have a hard time reading something and then
trying to picture it in my head

 

[weaglereefer]

Yeah, and don't let people scare you saying that a U-Tube HOB overflow will cause a flood. When set up properly, they're just fine. I ran one for a year and the only time a siphon broke was when I lifted the tube for cleaning. In your case, I would look for something in the 800-1000gph range (you'll likely want to pump the water at around 600-700gph, but a little extra allows for algae build up, etc, etc). Also look for one with dual U-tubes if you can.

Then you can construct a "Hofer Gurgle Buster" and have a dead silent overflow.

 

[ivegotcrabs]

i am so glad there are people on here that love this hobby as much as i do
thanks for all your help ARC is freakin awesome