retun pump problem

[lth808]

today i went to setup my new sump i had set everything up just as planned i went to test the return pump and it pumps great but about 2 inches shy of my overflow which is about 3 feet from the sump return pump the pump i have for my retun pump is a Rio Powerhead 600 should i have bought a larger pump or is there anything i can do to make this one work for what i need to do???????? NEED HELP ASAP!!!!

[mfinn]

Are you saying that the pump doesn't pump the water high enough?

[lth808]

exactly that im about 3 inches shy and the tubing is still new and not completely straight and i dont wanna go return this pump for a new one if it will work, is there some way u can think of that i can squueze the extra 3 inches and get this thing to run right and consistant??????????????

[mfinn]

No, I don't think it will work. If the pump is new, you should be able to return it.
Unless there are kinks in the tube. If there are kinks, maybe take the tube out and put it in your sink with really hot water for a couple of minutes. Then try it again, with the tube real flexable.
Other then that, back to the store???

[lth808]

alright, thanks much i will try the hot water thing first because of the kinks i think i could gain maybe a few inches if i totally straightend it out and i will see how that works


Thanks much, i'll let ya kno how it works out

[mfinn]

According to the chart on the rio box, the 600 should pump about 50gph at 3'. But will not pump 4'.
If that doesn't work the next size of pump should work.
One note of caution, the rio's have a bad rep. They have been known to freeze up and overhead, explode and other nasty things. I have 4 different rio's, but none on any tank. 2 of the rio's I have just stopped working. I use them for mixing saltwater.
Maybe ask at your lfs or here in the equipment form for advice on replacement pumps in that size.

[lth808]

alright im thinking about just goin ahead and spending a few more bucs and gettin the next size bigger in a different brand so i dont even have to worry about it........i will do that tomorrow.........what brand of powerhead do you suggest?????

[mfinn]

I really don't know of a pump for that size, And I just realized I DO have a rio pump in one of my tanks. It is the rio 600, in my zoanthid tank.
So now there is two of us that need an answer.
What is a good pump to replace the rio 600????

[lth808]

lol ya, would u happen to know how many GPH a syphon of a 5/8 house would be??? thats what im using for my syphon into my sump and im aslo using the 5/8 line as the return line

[mfinn]

According to the overflow/drain calculator on the reef central home page, more that 150 gallons per hour through a 1/2" drain.
Check it out, it's on the left side part way down.

[explorer364]

Try a Maxi-Jet 900(230gph) or 1200(295gph). Very reliable and parts are interchangeable.

[mfinn]

I think that both of those would overpower a 5/8" drain. Wouldn't they? Those are pretty strong pumps. I have 3 of the 1200's in my 180g. They move alot of water.

[explorer364]

You can always add a little more tubing and loop it to cut the flow down or a small valve. If you feel really creative, you can always take a nylon tie and wrap it around the tubing and pinch the tube to slow it down.

[lth808]

ya, good thinking but how much will these powerheads run ya cost wise and are they relatively quiet my sump is basically next to my bed almost..................???????????????

[explorer364]

They are really quite and depending on where you purchase them and what model, they usually run from $15 - 22$. Why don't you try taking one of the 1200's out of your other tank and see if it works. If it is a little too strong, then you know that the 900 will work. It is always better to have extra head room than not enough.

[lth808]

wow $15-22 thats amazing this rio 600 i got today was $22.99 and it was basically one of the cheapest ones with the cheapest being like $19.99 do u go to a local lfs or a chain store or mail order??????

[explorer364]

Some of the local lfs have them here, usually a dollar or two more, but I purchased mine from Drs. Fosters and Smith. If you haven't used their company, try it. Their customer service is grade "A" and any time I have ever had a problem, they have corrected it no questions asked.

[lth808]

cool, do they have a website??? and is it all mail order??

[explorer364]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com and yes, it is mail order. But, call around to some lfs, I am sure that you will find this pump as it is very popular.