Which pumps??

shag26272 · #1 01/30/2006, 05:57 AM

Ok i just got a 110 gallon tall 48x18x30 yesterday. It has 2 corner overflows plus it has 4 more hles in the back for close loops. Could I get away with using just 2 pumps? What shold I use? Ive tried the calculator but i really dont know what in the world im doing . theres also one more large hole drilled in the bottom middle about 2 or 3 inches in diameter, the guy before me had a series of locline sprayers coming out of the sand, should I just plug this? I relaly dont care to run 4 or 5 different pumps. heres some pics thanks in advance

shag26272 · #2 01/30/2006, 07:32 AM

when i get home i'll measure the holes for bulkheads if that helps

shag26272 · #3 01/30/2006, 08:36 AM

Ok the overflow drains are 1 inch, the close loop drains are 1 inch and the hole in the bottom glass is 1 inch, that leaves the 2 overflow returns at 3/4 and the 2 closed loop returns at 3/4

Wryknow · #4 01/30/2006, 12:17 PM

You will need to have two separate pumps: one for the closed loop and one for the return. Both of the overflow pumps should be plumbed into the input of the closed loop return pump (you have a lot of options at this size BTW.) The return pump needs to be part of a completely separate system. My $.02 input on pump choices would be to get a, Iwaki 40RLT for the closed loop (1200gph, extremely reliable, not cheap) and then a relatively small return pump that will give you 2-5 times turn-over per hour (say an E-heim 1252 or a Mag drive.) Good luck with the new tank!

shag26272 · #5 02/01/2006, 05:16 AM

which size mag drive?

danferd2002 · #6 02/01/2006, 06:04 AM

i would say a mag5 or so depending on head loss.

shag26272 · #7 02/01/2006, 06:05 AM

thats it? to feed 2 returns?

black9ice · #8 02/01/2006, 07:59 AM

Important question is how important is noise? Inwall construction or a stand/canopy? In a room where noise is not an issue? Let me know....

shag26272 · #9 02/01/2006, 08:34 AM

in my bedroom actually so the less noise the better

shag26272 · #10 02/01/2006, 08:37 AM

oops I messed up on the bulkhead sizes the little ones look like 1 inch and the big ones are 1.5 my bad

shag26272 · #11 02/01/2006, 08:43 AM

damn now im not sure the big holes are 1 7/8 and the little ones are 1.5

black9ice · #12 02/01/2006, 09:34 AM

I hope you have a good imagination, as I cant draw worth crap.

I would use the green lines as the returns from your sump, don't push more than 600 gph or so. Bring them through the box and up over the back with a T and drop them all straight down.

The red and blue lines would be from a closed loop on an Oceans motions 4 way #3. The orange would be the feed which is in the bottom of the tank?

The two reds would blow at the same time, same with the blue. Take the red out the back of the tank and drop them all the way down to the bottom and out a tad with a 45, this way they blow up and towards the front center. The blues out front do the same or leave them up top out of sight. But still use the same concept, down and towards the back center. Use the orange and maybe the two lower back or upper back as the feed/feeds for the closed loop.

Use good pumps like Iwaki so you do not hear them.

I would try to aim for a min of 1200 gph for the closed loop, and that number is with head pressure calculated. Any questions just PM me...

Michael

Wryknow · #13 02/01/2006, 11:27 AM

Remember that the holes in the glass are bigger than the actual bulkhead pipe will be in order to allow room for the bulkhead and seals to fit without constricting the water flow through the pipe. Yes, you will have two intakes for the same clsoed loop pump because this reduces the suction at the intake port and helps reduce the risk of getting one your pets stuck in the intake. The same closed loop pump will then have two (or four depending on how you plumb it) returns. The other returns will be used for the sump pump. I would recommend looking at connecting an OM super squirt (oceansmotion.com) to the closed loop in order to create an oscillating current in your tank. Everyone that I know that has purchased an OM product agrees loves their tech support. I'm sure that they can give you detailed assistance with hooking up your plumbing if you need it.