Pumping Height Question

[LoneStar]

What I am trying to figure out is do the pumping height limits work both vertically and horizontally? From what I see on charts it is usually the vertical height is what eventually limits a pump's capability. So a mag 7 pumps 700 gph at 0 feet and stops pumping at a vertical height of 13'. Does this also work for horizontal flow? From what I assume a 700 gph pump will pump 700 gph in a hornizontal line with no rise higher than the pump itself.

I ask this is because I am going to install a chiller in a closet next to the tank but will have to run around 12 feet of hose/pvc to get to the chiller and back to the sump. I am looking for a pump that will handle 500 to 800 gph through the chiller.

[GaryP]

No, what you are seeing is how far the pump can fight the weight of the water in a vertical column. That's called the head pressure. While there is a flow rate drop due to friction in a horizontal direction, it won't stop flowing at all in an open system.

[LoneStar]

Thats what I figured. Thanks Gary.

[GaryP]

The other thing that really cuts your flow is elbows and T's. Everyone adds the equivalent of about 1 ft. of head pressure. For that reason I use tygon tubing instead of PVC. It gives you more gentle bends instead of hard Ts. However, I'm still not happy with my flow rate and am looking at making some changes in my plumbing.

There are some flow calculators online that allow you to input your plumbing dimensions and it will give you an estimate of your actual flow rate.

[LoneStar]

I'm planning on using tubing or spaflex when I do my plumbing for the chiller. Easier to lay and less flow restricting turns.

[bigdscobra]

What chiller u getting??

[LoneStar]

It's Hush Hush on the Downlow... :mellow

[BIGBIRD123]

Are you gonna vent the closet for the chiller? If you don't have a way to vent the hot air, then you will over-work the chiller and it will run longer because of the heat.

I plan on doing that but I will have a temp-controlled exhaust fan to the outside.

Steve

[LoneStar]

There are no doors on the closet. So its basically as open as the room.

[BIGBIRD123]

no prob, just thought I'd help. Sorry I didn't have all the info.

Steve

[LoneStar]

Its cool. I'm sure if I had the doors on there it would get pretty hot in there. Its just so much easier to get to things when those terrible sliding doors are removed. :lol

[NaCl_H2O]

What size chiller? If more than a 1/3hp it is gonna act like a room heater! Just remember, every bit of heat removed from your tank water is converted to hot air blowing out the back of the chiller. It is nothing more than a heat exchanger - cooler water = hotter air ... the energy has to go somewhere.

[LoneStar]

1/10hp No worse than two desktop computers w/ monitors I use to have running in the room. I don't use those anymore and just work on the laptop now.

[GaryP]

Just remember that your piping is going to develop calcium carbonate scale over time. That roughens the surface and increases friction, as well as decreases the tubing diameter so your flow will actually decrease with time. That's another reason I like Tygon over PVC. I can just pinch the tubing with my fingers and the scale comes off and I can catch it in a fish net. Its hard to squeeze PVC with your fingers. Besides, if you ever want to re-do your plumbing, or clean it, or move the tank, its just a matter of undoing a few hose clamps as opposed to cutting up PVC with a hack saw.

I moved my tanks 3 times in 14 months. Believe me, been there, done that.