WTB - Return Pump

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #1 12-06-2013, 10:28 AM

I'm of the school of thought that high sump turnover rate is NOT a great thing. I like to have my dirty water go through slower so my skimmer has more chance to skim it clean before its pumped back up.

Besides, faster turnover equals bigger pump equals more electricity used 24/7 (very inefficiently).

A Mag 7 uses 70w, whereas a smaller pump will probable use 50 or less. The 20w extra only gets you 200 gph through the return but will get you 1400 gph + with decent powerhead. Just my opinion.

Anthony

MoreDakka · #2 12-06-2013, 04:15 PM

Yep, I've got the pump valved and slowed down. It's not the flow I'm worried about it's the fact my whole tank vibrates with this thing and it sounds like a blender... I'm looking for something that's quiet, not something that I can hear 2 levels down :-/

Those eheim pumps are wicked expensive. However the sicce pumps seem to be reasonable. Are they reliable?

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #3 12-06-2013, 04:37 PM

Valving and slowing down a pump creates back pressure on the pump. Bad to have back pressure.

MoreDakka · #4 12-06-2013, 04:41 PM

Hmm....damn LFS always giving me bad info. They say that if you valve the pump that it will adjust it's voltage to compensate in turn using less power... I know nothing of the inner workings of a pump so I'm assuming I'm just being takin' for a ride.

The Codfather · #5 12-06-2013, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

Valving and slowing down a pump creates back pressure on the pump. Bad to have back pressure.

Not necessarily, reeflo pumps for example run more efficiently if valved off a little. They actually recommend it. Valving off a discharge is the equivalent of more head pressure.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #6 12-06-2013, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Codfather

Not necessarily, reeflo pumps for example run more efficiently if valved off a little. They actually recommend it. Valving off a discharge is the equivalent of more head pressure.

He's talking about Mag pumps or their equivalents. I've always been told that valving off Mags & similar pumps is a no-no. I've never done it so I have no personal experience of it causing a pump to fail. If I'm wrong, then I apologize for passing on bad info. However I was told this by several experienced reefers.

Anybody valved off Mags or similar pumps on here & if so, what has been your experience??

Anthony