W/D Pump Question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Stab

Gambusia
MFK Member
Apr 29, 2005
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I just finished setting my first wet dry about 2 hours ago and noticed something I was not expecting: Return pump seems to be sending up air along with water :eek: It's not much just a slow trickle of bubbles from the return nuzzle. I am also surprised to see that the flow it generates is not very powerful. It is noticably weaker than that of a fluval 304 or a HOT magnum. Just for the record its a CA 2200 by Catalina Aquatics. Should I be concerned? :confused:
 
if there is a bubbles coming out from your return, it usually means there is a hole somewhere along the return line. Look for leaks. The amount of output on the return depends on the pump you are using and the head height the pump is working at. Look at the specifications of the pump for more information about your pump
 
Air bubbles will come from before the pump (suction side) otherwise it would be a leak (pressure/outlet side) only other option is a type of cavitation but doubtful.

Your pump:

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/pro...=1074&osCsid=9247ce71993e86de43ad5ff72edea91a

supplier was gracious enough to not include head pressure spec.s for your pump, just 800gph @ 0 head.

Since it is a residential pond pump I'm going to compare it more with beckett pumps which on average drop 66% @ 5ft of head pressure. These are made mainly for pond features 1-2ft of head pressure.

So maybe 250gph @ 4ft.?

Petsmart has a flow meter

http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...temNo=7&Ntt=flow&In=All&previousText=flow&N=2

but it only goes to 250gph and you'd peek it out. Wish someone carried a high flow one that was inexpensive.

Dr Joe

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I think I should've also mentioned that no matter how I tweak the intake water level in the sump only covers the pump approximately 3/4. My guess is that the pump itself is sucking up air (I can see bubbles running up the tubing right from the pump's output. Are there any tricks for raising the water level in the sump?
 
Stab;978160; said:
Are there any tricks for raising the water level in the sump?

add more water in the tank.

The tank level should never fluctuate, it should only change in the sump.
 
I just found a cheaper one in my books. Rolochem makes them starting at $28, but I can't find a website for them.
 
What gph or gpm are you looking for? And what price range. I'll make a run to the distributor to see what they have and what the specs are.
 
CHOMPERS;979216; said:
I just found a cheaper one in my books. Rolochem makes them starting at $28, but I can't find a website for them.

Who's selling them, google failed me :( no spec.'s

Dr Joe

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