Sump and return pump question

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rodger

rodger

Polypterus
MFK Member
Apr 29, 2008
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Kansas City
I have no doubt the answer to my question is already in here, but I can't find it. I want to put a larger pump on my sump that would have a 1" or maybe larger intake. Just trying to increase volume a little and lower my energy bill since I need to replace my pump anyway. My sump is predrilled with 3/4 " bulkheads. Will I have cavitation issues if I bush / adapt it? If it is a problem, can anyone suggest a pump more efficient then a Supreme Mag Drive that uses 3/4" pipe?
 
I'm not sure about "cavitation issues" that you will run to. If you are talking about restricting the flow, I don't think it really matters. To me restricting the flow is like you are increasing the head height or putting a gate valve on the return. I could be wrong so maybe more experienced MFK'rs can chime in. As for pumps, mag drives are good but Laguna pond pumps are great. They're quite and more efficient.
 
guano said:
I'm not sure about "cavitation issues" that you will run to. If you are talking about restricting the flow, I don't think it really matters. To me restricting the flow is like you are increasing the head height or putting a gate valve on the return. I could be wrong so maybe more experienced MFK'rs can chime in. As for pumps, mag drives are good but Laguna pond pumps are great. They're quite and more efficient.
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This is correct. Basically you will waste money, that's all it comes down to. It will work fine but your overall pump performance will drop from the get go because of the restriction. This will result in less water flow for the same electricity.

Pick out any pump with a 3/4" fitting to fit your bulkhead then look for the most efficient. I agree the Laguna is great but I'm not sure its 3/4"? I think they are bigger, around 1" to 1.5"
 
I just read your post wrong. Sorry, you can't use the pump suggestion cause it needs to be in the sump water.:nilly:
 
Thanks for the input guys. Any first hand experience with what I am looking for? (brands with 3/4 pipe)
 
I read this as you are using the pump as an in-line pump and not a submersible. The mag drive can be used as either method. Since your sump is pre-drilled with 3/4" bulkhead fittings, just plumb with 3/4" PVC to the 3/4" NPT intake port of the mag drive pump. Then get a 3/4" to 1.5" reducer/adapter for the output port and use 1.5" PVC for your return to your display tank. The mag drive pumps are designed for maximum flow with a minimum 1.5" inside diameter hose size, according to page two of their instruction sheet. I don't think you should be concerned with the intake size. Danner engineers designed the pump this way. Just follow their guidelines for the pump output hose size and you should get plenty of flow. http://www.dannermfg.com/Store/images/instructions/ZG100.pdf
 
patdown said:
I read this as you are using the pump as an in-line pump and not a submersible. The mag drive can be used as either method. Since your sump is pre-drilled with 3/4" bulkhead fittings, just plumb with 3/4" PVC to the 3/4" NPT intake port of the mag drive pump. Then get a 3/4" to 1.5" reducer/adapter for the output port and use 1.5" PVC for your return to your display tank. The mag drive pumps are designed for maximum flow with a minimum 1.5" inside diameter hose size, according to page two of their instruction sheet. I don't think you should be concerned with the intake size. Danner engineers designed the pump this way. Just follow their guidelines for the pump output hose size and you should get plenty of flow. http://www.dannermfg.com/Store/images/instructions/ZG100.pdf
Click to expand...

A Mag Drive 1800, that I currently use, is 3/4" in and out NPT. Yes, using in-line.
 
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