return pump question

[dmbfreek]

I know that I asked this question before but can't remember the answers I got. I have a 29g tank and a cpr style over flow with a, looks like 1'' bulkhead. My question is what size of return pump will I need? Any suggestions on a brand? Not sure if this overflow is too big for a 29g. I don't know if the return pump will be too powerful. Thanks!

 

[prbhasson]

I use a Cpr cs50 overflow with a mag 5 on my 29 and added a maxijet 900 in the tank. It works well for me. Hope this helps

 

[Krish]

IMO, there is no such thing as too big of an overflow because the overflow will only drain at the same speed as water is pumped into the tank. So say for instance you used a 10 gph return pump, your overflow will only drain at the same (10 gph). As for the over flow, the CPR with a 1 inch bulkhead can either be the CS90 or 100 as they both use 1 inch bulkheads, but the dimensions are a little different. The CS90 has a max flow rate of 600gph and the CS100 has a max flow rate of 800 gph. I guess you will have to measure the width of the overflow to tell you which one you have so you can know what size pump you will need. The CS90 in 8 inches wide and the CS100 is 10 inches wide. In any event, I would run about a 500-600 gph return pump. That should do the job for that size tank and a mag7 (given some headloss you will probably lose) would do the job. Just my 2 cents

 

[dmbfreek]

Do you happen to know the bulkhead hole size and the gph of your pump?

 

[Krish]

The CS50 has a single 3/4 bulkhead, is 6.5 inches wide and is good for 300 gph

 

[DonW]

Match your return to your skimmer unless its more than the return can handle.

Don

 

[dmbfreek]

thanks for the info. Could I use a more powerful pump, lets say 1200 gph and install a ball valve to slow the speed of the water flow?

 

[DonW]

thanks for the info. Could I use a more powerful pump, lets say 1200 gph and install a ball valve to slow the speed of the water flow?

Sure if you want. Thats just extra heat going into the water and wasted electricity.

Don

 

[dmbfreek]

the reason I ask is that I have a friend that works for a pet store that will give me a slightly used 1200 gph pump for free, all I have to buy is a impeller.

 

[Krish]

You could, but why use such a big pump that will use more wattage and chances are, will heat up your water more (as usually the bigger the pump, the more heat it will produce) as well as take up more space in your sump when you can just go with the right size? If your overflow is the 600 gph one, you will have to cut that pump back by half! It's totally up to you and can be done, but personally I'd get something closer to what you actually need

 

[DonW]

the reason I ask is that I have a friend that works for a pet store that will give me a slightly used 1200 gph pump for free, all I have to buy is a impeller.

I'm with Krish, free or not. The tank is just to small to have to deal with heat issues.

Don

 

[dmbfreek]

Alright, thanks for the honest help. what do you think about something like this?http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-SearchStr--action-view-idProduct-TA3152-idCategory-FIPHFF-category-Rio+_2100_Powerhead_Pump_UL_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Powerheads_Fixed_Flowrate_Pumps-vendor-Taam.html

 

[DonW]

Alright, thanks for the honest help. what do you think about something like this?http://www.petstore.com/ps_ViewItem-SearchStr--action-view-idProduct-TA3152-idCategory-FIPHFF-category-Rio+_2100_Powerhead_Pump_UL_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Powerheads_Fixed_Flowrate_Pumps-vendor-Taam.html

Rio's are not great pumps. Mag drive or ehiem is what I'd prefer.

Don

 

[Krish]

I've used a few Rio pumps in the past and had 3 of them break down on me (The hyperflow ones which I think are a bit different from the Rio's in your link). I honestly couldn't say man...The Seio's by Rio are great, but never had much luck on their submersibles...

 

[Meche]

You guys are telling him to pass on a free pump?

From a logical stand point, passing more water through the sump would never be a problem for a skimmer or a heater or whatever. Maybe there is a problem that I don't understand when applied to this hobby? Anyway, a free pump is a free pump, heat can be delt with in several creative (inexpensive) ways. Plus think about it, he could split the return and not have a need for powerheads. I know krish would not have a problem with only 40x flow.

edit:
:lol: I'm a jackass, I just noticed the overflow will only flow 800gph. I still say just make the overflow bigger to cope.

 

[burning2nd]

im useing the cs90 with a mag 7, about 4 feet over up to flow

 

[snobanker]

Take the free pump and just don't use it until you get a larger tank, or use it as trading material

 

[dmbfreek]

Thanks for the help everybody. I think I'll go with the mag 7. Anyone know the best place to shop for one?

 

[DonW]

From a logical stand point, passing more water through the sump would never be a problem for a skimmer

The object of the sump is to get the water to the skimmer. If your just sending the fish poop back to the tank your just wasting energy. You might as well get it clean while its down there.

Make sense
Don

 

[Meche]

yes but flow is flow and free is free. He wouldn't be hurting anything was my point. It wouldn't be ideal but might eliminate the need for extra powerheads.

I think I'll go with the mag 7. Anyone know the best place to shop for one?

check sponsors. I know premiumaquatics.com sells them.