need quite pump

[dwdenny]

I am still int the planning stage but I am looking for some information on external pumps. It will be on a loop. It won't really be a closed loop due to the fact that it will only go across tha back of the tank with 6 outlets with the option to plug 1 or 2 if needed. The tank will be a mushroom and ric tank so a lot of flow is not really needed from what I have read. I was thinking about 20X turnover would be just about right. The tank is a 46gallon Bowfront 36.5"X16.5"X21. I am also thinking of a DSB at 5" as well and don't want to create a sand strom nor do I want to throttle back the pump with the gate valve. Here is were my problem lies.

1. I am not sure about the pump size. If I go with total tank turnover then that is 920gph at 20X. Or should I target a nozzle outlet gph like say 300pgh which makes the pump go up to like 1200 to 1800 not figuring in head pressure. :wacko The tank will be drilled for the intake and the return. The pump will determine the size of the bulkheads and the piping.

2. I was thinking that one 1.25 bulkhead for a pump that has say1" inlet would allow enough flow to the pump to run it but if I am wrong please advise a different route. I have looking at the head loos calucltor at RC but it seems to take a lot out of a pump and I have had people tell me that on a closed loop the pump will lose a little but not as much as that calcultor figures.

Sorry for the long post but this is the last step to my planning and I can start purchasing equipment. :D this will make my wife happy as she is ready to have the tank going. I was surprised by this as she is the patient one not me.

As for lights I am going to use the T5 retrofits that are 4X24 with 1:1:2 Sun:aquablue:actinic 03. I think this will give me the blue I like but still not to blue.

Thanks
Doug

[Tim Marvin]

How about a velocity T-4?

[NaCl_H2O]

Iwaki, PanWorld, or Blueline (basically all the same pumps) - they have a wide variety of models (GPH). Very quiet pumps, I think the PanWorlds may be a "little" quieter from what I have read (I have Pan World pumps).

[technomex]

I second the T-4. Complete scilence.

[captexas]

The Velocity pumps are very quiet. The only issue with them is they are known to get very hot and increasing your tank temperature.

[dwdenny]

I have been looking around and wanted an opinion. I have narrowed my choices down to a pan world 50px-x, quiet one 5000, or a Gen-X (mAK4). Any one have experiences with these pumps. I think I will be able to get the flow that I want with theses maybe a little more. This pump will go on a loop so it will have about 6 oulet nozzles with caping of 1 or 2 in mind if needed.

[dwdenny]

Well that makes it a little easier to make a choice both are about the same price however one pumps more then the other and uses more electricity. Does any one know if the RC head loss calculator is right or wrong I have looked at it with the same specs and changes the pipe size from 1" to 1.25" and the head pressure drops from 6 to 2.75. I connot see how just a little bit of difference can make that mush difference in head.

Would one one 1.25" bulkhead allow enough water flow to the pump. Both the 50PX-X and Quiet One are 1"MPTX1"MPT inlet/outlet. I will also be drilling a 1.25" return bulkhead to the loop inside teed down to 3/4" for a diffussed flow may have to put 1/2" bushings if this does not work the way I want it to.

[captexas]

Yes, GenX pumps are loud. The pipe size makes a big difference. The volume of water is greatly increased as the diameter of the pipe increases. The bulkhead is not the only factor to how much water gets to the pump. How it is plumbed and what kind of drain is attached to the bulkhead affect the gph as well. Usually you want the biggest drain line and then go with smaller return lines to the tank. Reducing the returns at the last possible point also helps reduce back pressure on the pump.

Reducing the outputs from 3/4in. to 1/2in. doesn't reduce the overall flow. You have the same amount of water being returned from the pump either way. Reducing the outlet size simply means you are going to increase the pressure of the water coming out. Kind of like when you put your thumb over the water coming out of a garden hose.

[MikeDeL]

Never used a Quiet one pump, but my Pan World is silent. I have to listen REAL close to hear it running.

[dwdenny]

I have the rerturn figured out pretty well. I am going to use 1" PVC for the return to a 1" bulkhead reduce to 3/4" inside the tank. IF I need to increase the velocity of the flow I can add a 1/2" bushing or cap 1 or 2 outlets I plan on having 6 total knowing I will cap. I am still figuring out the intake. I am thinking of going with a 1.5" bulkhead or should I go with a 2" bulkhead and then at the pump reduce it back to 1". I am thinking going witht he 2" would be the best option what do you all think.