Sump pump question

[ddot82]

Question for sump people. I'm replacing my sump pumps. The tank is a 360 gallon with a sump. Head height around 60 inches. I've settled on the fluvals sea sp series. I already ordered the sp4 rated at around 1800 gph, so I'm assuming with the head height it's running at 1200-1300 gph. The next step up is the sp6 rated at 3434 gph. Running 2 of those will definitely get me at my 4000 gph target. My concern is that those pumps will be too much. My concern is the outlets into the tank, they're about 3/8's of an inch and I don't want those pumps to turn them into pressure washers. Anyone know if they'll be too strong for my tank? Sorry about the pick, stirred a bunch of crap up putting the new pump in.

 

[ragin_cajun]

No. No one knows that. You'll have to just try it out. If they're too strong, put a "T" and a ball valve and bleed some of the output back into the sump.

 

[Fizzicks]

I use at single SP4 (probably around 1450 GPH with head pressure taken in account) in my sump for my 195G The return line is 1.5 inch PVC routed into the back corner of the tank. This creates a sufficient current in my tank to constantly fluidize any solid waste off my tiled bottom.

Id assume, from my experience if you just had a single 3/8 inch return line that it would become something similar to a pressure washer.

 

[ddot82]

I use at single SP4 (probably around 1450 GPH with head pressure taken in account) in my sump for my 195G The return line is 1.5 inch PVC routed into the back corner of the tank. This creates a sufficient current in my tank to constantly fluidize any solid waste off my tiled bottom.

Id assume, from my experience if you just had a single 3/8 inch return line that it would become something similar to a pressure washer.

There would be two outlet holes per pump. The line itself is 1 inch. On the outlet it reduces to around 3/8's. You can see it in the pic kind of.

 

[ddot82]

No. No one knows that. You'll have to just try it out. If they're too strong, put a "T" and a ball valve and bleed some of the output back into the sump.

Good idea with the t

 

[aldiaz33]

If you are trying to maximize flow you should get rid of that 3/8" return outlet and use the same size as your plumbing (1"). The 3/8" returns outlets are the equivalent of adding a ball valve and closing it well over 50%.

IMO, two SP6's is way overkill (totally unnecessary) on a 360G. Two SP4's should be just fine.

 

[ddot82]

Glad you said that because I decided to go with another sp4. I just bought a brand new one a couple days ago so that's the best route unless I want to waste $180 to spend another $500. I'll look into modifying the outlet. That's a good thought.