In Line Return Pumps

[JJ1234567]

first question is, does anyone know a good website that reviews and rates aquarium equipment? kinda like a consumer reports for the fish world? (to mods, if this violates rules Im sorry)

I have been looking, for my application I have found a Gen X model or an Iwaki model. I am leaning toward the Gen X, are they good or complete crap?

 

[Matty]

umm...i think cichlid-forums.com reviews some stuff like that...maybe its time that tff had a section for equipment reviews. might as well, we have some very knowledgable people on the board.

 

[superman]

what gph are you looking for and for what application, lookin for pressure rated or non pressure rated?

 

[JJ1234567]

non pressure rated, something between 750-950 gph, with 3/4" fittings. I think I will probably get a gen- x pcx30

 

[superman]

Sorry, just got your PM, I'd recommend blueline pumps. Since you are looking for non pressure rated you'd be looking into the pumps with the X in the model name. Blueline is the same as panworld and coralife pumps, just different color housings, so whatever you can find easiest.

 

[JJ1234567]

I looked up those pumps and they look really good, the only question is can the overflow handle that kind of flow? (65gallon tank, 1inch overflow bulkhead)




EDIT:

this is the listing I was looking at, this is the one correct? http/www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/m...y_Code=Panworld

 

[JJ1234567]

I think I just asked a dumb question, you can use ball valves to slow the flow to an acceptable rate cant you?

 

[crazyelece]

The best way to run any return pump is with a "T" and a ball valve on one side of it. Dial the return in with the T and the rest goes back into the sump. This setup causes the least amount of friction load on the pump which helps in pump longevity.

 

[JJ1234567]

Would it be asking too much for one of the guys with those nifty programs to diagram this for me?

 

[crazyelece]

here you go

 

[Opcn]

you need a ball valve on the retun to the sump aswell, otherwise you have no controll other than the diameter of the tube, Although, unless you are planning on keeping shrooms or LPs extensively drilling another overflow might be a good idea.

 

[crazyelece]

The idea is to control the water going into the display tank and let all the other water go back to the sump. In this way you get the flow you need to the main tank without adding any back pressure to the pump that you don't have to. If you are going to add a ball valve to the line going back to the sump you might as well eliminate the T and just use a ball valve on the return line. You can do this but it is harder on the pump and it might wear out sooner.

 

[superman]

Both Opcn and crazylece are kinda right. All you need is one valve on the line going back to the sump. Opening the valve reduces the flow up to the tank, closing it increases the flow to the tank. The diameter of the pipe should be the same diameter on the line going up towards the tank and the T line going back to the sump. The T should be placed as close to the pump as comfortably possible. I wish I had a way to diagram this, but I don't.

 

[crazyelece]

I guess I should point out that was a quick drawing in paint and nothing is to scale. All the pipe work should be the same diameter, usually 1" or 3/4" depending on the manufacturer's recomendation.

 

[JJ1234567]

thanks for the help both of you, I appreciate it. I will take some pictures as I put it together, once the stuff and my camera come in.