Pump help for 450g

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SpeshulEd

Fire Eel
MFK Member
May 7, 2009
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I'm going to be using an 80g sump for my new 450g show tank. Would I be better off with a submersible pump or an external pump?

Also, what are some brands that I should be looking at for quality. I've never looked at pumps before. All I know is my pool has two haywards on it, but they're also gigantic.

Random question, but where can I find the strainer things that you put at the end of the pipes inside of the tank so nothing big gets sucked through the plumbing. Is this something I can find at home depot, or is it something I need to make myself?
 
Internal vs external. Personal preference.

Type of pump would depend on what size you want and whether or not intenal or external.

Strainers: www.jehmco.com
 
Hmm, I guess I have a lot of research to do. You guys are just supposed to tell me whats the biggest and the best and I'll follow your lead. haha.

I've actually been searching all morning. There's a lot of different ways to with this.
 
I went with a Reeflo Dart on my 620 gal tank. So far I'm pleased with the flow and how quiet it is. My personal preference is external.

You could also look at Dolphin pumps.

If you didn't want to do one high flow pump you could use two medium flow pumps. Then you have redundency if one pump goes out.

Are there built in overflows in your tank? I couldn't see any? You could build some overflows out of black 1/4" ABS really easily. Then you wouldn't need to use strainers at all.

I've seen strainers at Lowe's and HD.
 
Not that I have the same set up but my Coralife 1100p is not as quiet as I thought it would be.
 
Reeflo Darts are the stuff. 3,600gph, end of discussion.:D
 
I was actually looking at the 3600gph Dart. I was figuring for a 5x turnover rate for the tank, which would be 2250gph, but I figure more isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I also like the idea of two pumps. The pump will be running to two holes anyway, why not have one for each hole.

Thanks for the leads on the other brands of pumps, I'll have to look at those too. I'm hoping I can find something locally so I don't have to wait for shipping.

The tank has 6 holes in the bottom. I'm planning two will be used for overflows, two for returns, and two for quick water changes. My plan right now is to just run plumbing up to top of the tank. Those two pipes will act as overflows. I'd use the strainers on those.

I'm not sure if I'll do spraybars for returns as the sump should provide plenty of oxygen for the tank.

Then the last two that will help with water changes - my plan is to just run plumbing half way up the tank and have strainers on the end. That way I can do a quick gravel vac, and when I'm finished, hook up a hose to the water change plumbing, turn a valve and the tank drains half way for a 50% water change while I run around the yard and water the plants with the hose.

I need to draw a picture to make sure this will all work properly.
 
Before you look into a pump, you need to make sure your overflows can the output of the pump.

I.e. if you pumping 3000gph into your tank, but you overflows can only handle 2000gph your gonna have some problems.
 
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