FIltration Turnover rate

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
fish_master2000;3331028; said:
yep they lie about that crap

I don't if they "lie", so much as they don't run them under real-world conditions when quoting the flow rates. I've heard - - no first hand knowledge - - that quoted flow rates are the max. for basically an empty filter (no media) and an open intake

either way, the numbers are at best misleading and almost always understated . . . your actual mileage may vary . . .
 
The gph offered is the max flow rate for the pump… meaning with absolutely no restriction the pump will move that many gallons per hour…

There are many many factors that will slow the flow rate down such as diameter of hoses, bends in hoses, filter design, media, debris in media, etc, etc…

The “actual” flow rate will vary based on all of these details, therefore the actual flow rate will be a variable number…

I agree they “should” better explain the way filters are rated… But it’s not a lie… It’s just their way instead of your way…

Although before we suggest they change their way of rating, we have to suggest a better way. Since the actual flow rate is a variable number, this wouldn’t work well either. Wouldn’t you be suspicious of a filter that boasted “About 380 gph”… but if they clearly stated it has an actual flow rate of 380, and yours only flowed at 370 (remember this number will vary) then you have proven they are committing false advertisement.

Plus the only company I know of that does openly offer a suggested actual gph, or filter flow, they exaggerate it… At least the max flow rate of the filter is a true number and not based on assumptions, speculations or manipulated testing…
 
nc_nutcase;3328551; said:
Very true... In my experience it is safe to assume a canister will actually move about 50~60% of what it's motor's maximum flow rate is measured at...

SuperDave;3328935; said:
Ya I agree, with the FX5 it performs at 57% of its rated pump capacity, and the Eheim 2080 performs at 71% of its rated pump capacity.


That is why i go with trickle filters(sumps). You can chose your turnover rate depending on the pump you buy. I have a sump with a pump rated at 1300 GPH ( 1100 GPH at 4 feet) on my 55 gallon. A bit of a over kill you might say but my fish will never gasp for air:ROFL:
 
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