9.2 amps 4200GPH @ 20'

[nfored]

How much more efficient of a pump can I get then the one I have?

The lowest head I could find on flow charts was 20' and 70GPM I am guess that at 5' it will be closer to 100GPM.

I was looking to replace it but I have been seeing pumps that are like 7 - 8 amps and that doesn't seem like a big difference something like 0.46 a day cheaper.

What scares me is when you start talking big pumps you start talking about a real problem if it goes out and you don't have a spare.

 

[pacu mom]

What's the maximum head feet you're looking at? Is it 20'? The ReeFlo Hammerhead is a total workhorse, quiet, efficient. 3,000 gph at 19.5' 3 amp motor. 4880 gph at 9'. If you haven't already done so, you should check out the ReeFlo line of pumps. Their Gold line is even less wattage, and the Barracuda Gold has even more "umph" than its predecessor.

They have tons of other pumps and have silver and gold industrial pumps also. My one ReeFlo Hammerhead has performed flawlessly for 5 1/2 years. I'm going with five ReeFlos on my big set up. Using other pumps was not even a consideration. I'm sure ReeFlo has a pump that will more than meet your needs.

I purchased my pumps through Bulk Reef Supply and Marine Depot (They ha d the best prices when I was purchasing.)
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/pumps-and-plumbing/external-pumps

http://www.marinedepot.com/ReeFlo_E...al_Water_Pumps-Reeflo-MM1125-FIWPEPOH-vi.html

 

[nfored]

I think I will get the Gold Hammer head and dual plumb it along with this huge pump so I have an emergency backup.

The head height is all going to depend.

Originally I was going to setup all filtration remotely in my basement for dead silent operation. So thats about 16' from the basement floor to the top of the tank, and I just added 4' for the 2 90's that would need to be hooked up.

However given how much money I can save in electric I considered living with what ever noise the pump makes and keeping it on the same floor as the tank.

I have also considered buying 3 FX'5s, running 150watts compared to 360 is a savings of $175.2 the first year. But then I loss one major benefit and thats High flow rate, I know the fx5's are great but as I have seen if you don't have enough flow throughout the tank you have a problem.

 

[pacu mom]

You will be pleased at how quiet Reeflos are.

 

[CClump]

reeflo will be my next pump when i have the spare couple hundred. I use a magdrive now and it has a pretty noticable hum to it.

 

[wilkinson]

Are those pressure pumps ?

 

[pacu mom]

I think I will get the Gold Hammer head and dual plumb it along with this huge pump so I have an emergency backup.


I have also considered buying 3 FX'5s, running 150watts compared to 360 is a savings of $175.2 the first year. But then I loss one major benefit and thats High flow rate, I know the fx5's are great but as I have seen if you don't have enough flow throughout the tank you have a problem.

Even necked down to 1" return pipe, we have a tremendous current in our tank. The current swiftly moves across the 8' of tank, hits the opposite wall and circles back. During water changes, we add water to our tank by gravity flow from a 55 gallon holding tank via our mechanical plumbing. Once the main uptake is submerged, we turn the Hammerhead back on. Here is the end of a water change. Our fish love the turbulence! Here's an old video
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If you want a high flow rate, a Hammerhead pump will certainly give you that. You could put a valve in the return line, if you want to tone down the flow a little. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Hammerhead can do with 1 1/2" pipes.

You can also get the Hammerhead with 2" ports...