Pump size and filtration issues.

[David K. Bradley]

After using CHOMPERS' calculations on "How to size a pump to your tank", I will need a pump that will have a turn over rate of somewhere between 96 GPM (4 turn overs/hr.) to 120 GPM (5 turn overs/hr).

Here are my calculations as how I arrived at this answer.

Tank Volume:
48 inches/12 x 48 inches/12 x 144 inches/12 = 192
192 x 7.5 = 1, 440 US Gal. of water volume.

Gallons per Hour:
1,440 Gal. x 4 T/O per Hr. = 5,760 GPH.
1,440 Gal. x 5 T/O per Hr. = 7,200 GPH.

Gallons per minute:
(4 T/O) - 5,760 GPH/60 min. = 96 GPM.
(5 T/O) - 7,200 GPH/60 min. = 120 GPM.

Given these factors are now determined, what retailer on the open market would have a pump to handle this amount of GPM or GPH? I want to get a medium price range of the pump. This will be used in a sump flitration set-up.

Aditionally, in this sump set-up, I was wanting to know if it would be plausible to:

(a.) use 4 to 6 bulkheads?

- or -

(b.) would it be more plausible to use 1 massively long overflow box (about 6in. Wide x 8in. High x 6ft. to 8ft. Long) with 4 to 6 cut outs and 4 to 6 down tubes in the bottom of the overflow box then "Y'd" into one 3" tube leading down and dumping into the sump?

I was also considering the use of an 8 ft to 10 ft long spray bar on the return water back into the tank.

As far as pipe diameter size being used, I've yet to determine the size of pipe inside diameter I will be using.

My tank is going to be a DIY PLYWOOD/GLASS construction. Using either 9 to 11 ply - 3/4 inch or 7/8 thick plywood, do to the massive size of my tank. My tank sump and possibly my overflow box (if I use one) will be constructed of plywood also.

Any plausible suggestions will be appreciated on these questions and ideas. I thank you for your comments and assistance.

 

[CHOMPERS]

I will need a pump that will have a turn over rate of somewhere between 96 GPM (4 turn overs/hr.) to 120 GPM (5 turn overs/hr).

You'll want either model #SHE3.0 or #SHE4.4 at this link:
http://www.aquatic-eco.com/subcategories/121/Sweetwater-High-Efficiency-Pumps

The home page is
http://www.aquatic-eco.com

Additionally, in this sump set-up, I was wanting to know if it would be plausible to:

(a.) use 4 to 6 bulkheads?

- or -

(b.) would it be more plausible to use 1 massively long overflow box (about 6in. Wide x 8in. High x 6ft. to 8ft. Long) with 4 to 6 cut outs and 4 to 6 down tubes in the bottom of the overflow box then "Y'd" into one 3" tube leading down and dumping into the sump?

The method of getting the water to the sump doesn't really matter just as long as the plumbing is sufficiently large to handle it. I have a method that is 100% silent but I don't have thread detailing how to set up a tank with it. I can take some pictures in the next day or two. I'll look for a related link that details the principle.

As far as pipe diameter size being used, I've yet to determine the size of pipe inside diameter I will be using.

Keep in mind that you have to use the cross sectional area in your calculations rather than the pipe diameter. For example, when you double the diameter of a pipe, the larger pipe will flow four times as much. In other words, a two inch pipe will flow the same as four one inch pipes.

My tank sump and possibly my overflow box (if I use one) will be constructed of plywood also.

Any plausible suggestions will be appreciated on these questions and ideas. I thank you for your comments and assistance.

Your sump should be approximately 1/3 the size of your tank. If space requires it to be smaller, you'll need to do some extra math to make sure it won't overflow when the system is shut down.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Here's the link detailing the principle of silent plumbing.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214933

(skip to page two)

 

[dawnmarie]

The method of getting the water to the sump doesn't really matter just as long as the plumbing is sufficiently large to handle it.

If this is so, then would'nt David's idea for a series of bulkheads be cheaper and less intrusive visually ?

 

[CHOMPERS]

If this is so, then would'nt David's idea for a series of bulkheads be cheaper and less intrusive visually ?

I think you already know my answer.






(if not, you have a PM waiting for you.)

 

[dawnmarie]

Got it.

 

[David K. Bradley]

Hmmm! What to do?

 

[dawnmarie]

The method of getting the water to the sump doesn't really matter just as long as the plumbing is sufficiently large to handle it.

It's all about what you want to see in your tank and what you are comfortable building.