Low Flow Pump

[Hedonist]

I need to find a good low flow pump (80-90gph) to power my phosban reactor.. I prefer to have one that is not submersible... any comments or suggestions?

Denise

[jdieck]

Denise, most pumps for that flow will be powerheads=submerged as it is very difficult for that flow to have an external pump primed.
In any case you can always restric the volume via a small valve that comes with the reactor.
You must also consider the hight between the reactor and the water level. Say if your reactor is installed in the inside wall of the stand and the sump is on the floor you may need a larger pump than if the reactor is also on the floor or inside the sump.
Many small power heads may not be able to even push the water out a couple of feet.

[spotfin]

Hi Denise,
I think you are going to have to go with a submerged powerhead. I have a small Rio kicking around somewhere that I hope to use on my reactor when I order it.

[SaltyDogg]

I think you will have to do that as well Denise.......and remember that flow rate.......would be easier on your pump if you get one within the requirements as opposed to having to use the value to cut back on the flow......

Bryan

[ME2003]

Ehiem,Mag and Maxi-Jet can be used externally

The Maxi-Jet 400 is used here for example
http://www.precisionmarine.com/html/kalkreactor.html
For a low flow rate The water intake may be a issue.
http://www.marineandreef.com/PDF/microj.pdf

[SaltyDogg]

Originally posted by ME2003
Ehiem,Mag and Maxi-Jet can be used externally

The Maxi-Jet 400 is used here for example
http://www.precisionmarine.com/html/kalkreactor.html
For a low flow rate The water intake may be a issue.
http://www.marineandreef.com/PDF/microj.pdf

Nice links but I would think on the maxi-jet on the output there might be a issue with water leakage around that flange area.......
I am using a mini-jet 606 on sump with no problems at all

[Dan_L]

you could try a closed loop like a calcium reactor

[Hedonist]

Okay, how about this... my power sweep that I use in the seahorse tank does not sweep anymore.. go figure!

I need to get more movement in there so what if I get a smaller externall tank... for example a Dolphin pond/tank master 270 ( I am open to suggestions for makes/ models of pumps,, I just want an external pump that will be somewhat quiet)...
I could possibly Y off the return and have one split go to the phosban reator and the other can be used as a return with a bio flo rotating deflector for movement in the tank? I could use a ball valve to help adjust the flo to the reactor ...????

Willl it work?
Denise

I also understand there is and adjustment deivce on the reactor to help adjust the flow?

[SOMEthinsFISHY]

yes denise it will work !!

[jdieck]

Yes you can use the valve that comes with the reactor to adjust the flow to it. Save the trouble of a powerhead and T off your return line as you described.
If you switch your return pump to a larger one just insure that your overflow could handle it.

[Ewan]

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/192blueline.jpg

I teed my return pump to feed my calcium reactor. I've got john guest fittings for a similar arrangement in my computer that works with flexible tubing.

One less cord. I would use the same arrangement for a phosban reactor. The john Guest fitting never needs adjustment.


Otherwise, I'm with brian on the minijets. I used one on my old calcium reactor, and it was a real workhorse. Every time I took it apart to clean it, I was amazed that it was still running. Inexpensive too!


-Rob

[SOMEthinsFISHY]

those john guest guys are great !