i use a wave maker to keep the stuff off my sand bed and get them to the filter. my CP-55 is only running at about half power witch is about 25 watts. i like to use this instead of the return pump because it is easier to place it where i need it i dont want to have 2 feet of lock line on my return. as far as money dont know what you call cheap but i paid i think about $100 for my wave maker and it is rated at like 5000 gph+ and i like this one because it is not a direct flow and it moves a lot of water if you want it to.
Ordering New 440/480 any advice?
- Thread starter dr exum
- Start date
I agree that using only the return pump would look nicer than wavemakers and probably more efficient than a second pump for a closed loop.
But in order to get 5000gph out of a pump, you're beyond the capabilities of the cost and energy effective DC pumps. You'd be looking at $400 and ~300W when you could do the same flow with a wavemaker at ~30W for $50-$100.
in order to get 5000gph out of a pump, you're beyond the capabilities of the cost and energy effective DC pumps?
so you think ac voltage makes the pumps stronger? jebao pump is rated at 20000 lph or 5283 GPH and a 31 ft head height and its under $200 and runs at only 165 watts. dc pupms are more energy effective and will pay for it self over time too. but yes wave maker is the way to go
I know DC pumps are more efficient. I was just implying that higher flow (5000gph+) DC pumps are not common. Most high flow pumps are AC powered. (Reeflo, danner, dolphin, etc)
With Jebao's largest DC pump (DCP20000) you'll only get 4000 gph at 1m head height. By the time you add fittings and tubing you're at a 2-2.5m equivalence (2500-3000gph).
With a 5000+gph drain in a 480, i doubt youd have problems with keeping your sand bed clean.
I think youre grossly overestimating how much flow is constricted by "tubing and fittings". I use flexible pvc hose for my returns and the effect on flow is negligible, if any at all.
for the op's build, two of those dcp20000s should work very well, running at about half power will push 4-5000 gph at 1 m head easy.
Im not saying the powerheads and whatnot wont work, just that if i was setting up a 480 this would be my approach.
I got my RTC in a planted tank, rules:
Dont use small plants
Use big ones attached to driftwood by string
Do not use wire - attached
Do not use small plants or plants that sit in the ground
need to be firmly pushed into the ground with a rock ontop.
Apart from that you can't really have a big rtc without it doing anything to harm the tank or harm itself.
I suggest rocks and driftwood with a sleek river sand finish.
When calculating pump head you need to account for more than just elevation change, friction loss is key. A single 1.5in 90 degree elbow is equivalent to almost 2 ft head height at 5000gph and the piping would add even more (nearly 3ft), whether its flexible or not. Try running the numbers through a friction loss calculator and you'd be surprised.
Im aware of friction loss but just don't think it should have as much of an impact as you said earlier. If you're losing half your pumps flow because of plumbing then your plumbing is overly and needlessly complicated.
In any case, using flex pvc or vinyl hoses in lieu of hard plumbing minimizes friction loss. More reliable and safer imo too.
I forgot what the name of the pump he recommended was , he said it’s what the “reef guys” use it’s about $500 ea retail and $425 ea his cost.
so 10x water turn over is good or too much?
and I need 2” returns and drains?
I think he said the sump witll be 48”x24”x20” with 25gallons of American made bio balls.
