The start of my Plumbing Project

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I was thinking of getting an OM 4 with the Dart, does anyone think this would be a problem, I'm guessing maybe 4ft of head pressure at the most, I'll probably use the flex-hose for tubing.
 
Scooterman said:
I was thinking of getting an OM 4 with the Dart, does anyone think this would be a problem, I'm guessing maybe 4ft of head pressure at the most, I'll probably use the flex-hose for tubing.
That's a great combo...what size tank?
 
Ok, I got the hole saw to drill the tank so I'm on my way now! My first plumbing part. lol. Anyways, I would really like to go with some sort of shallow, coarse substrate. I really like the look of it, and some of the critters I have and would like to have, rely on the substrate. My next question is, Where should I position the holes where I won't aggravate the substrate??? Also, would the barracuda be too much of a pump for a return also??? I was thinking about getting 2. One more quick thing, Where can you get ahold of black PVC??? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
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IMHO the barracuda is way too much for a return from sump. It'll make a great closed loop but for the return line you will never find stand pipes that could handle 3800gph nor would you want to. :eek:
 
Would the dart be too much also??? Are there any better choices??? Thank you! I would've gotten the barracuda and had many troubles :)
 
Becky,
I like the Iwaki pumps. The Iwaki MD series is the Japanese motor, (more expensive, but built like a tank), and the RLT version are the pressure rated versions, the RXT versions are the non pressure rated pumps.

Nick
 
For a return pump that Iwaki MD is long term proven, for high preformance CL motion, the sequence has been around just as long if not longer in pond systems & commercially. So I'll take one of each :D
 
I give my vote for the Iwaki as the return as well, though I went with a PanWorld that is designed and built by the former chief engineer from Iwaki-Japan...so it's an Iwaki (kind of) works great :p Sequence for the closed loop though, the combo will make for a great setup :D
 
I was thinking about this: Iwaki MD 55RLT - 1080gph - I'm thinking that this will enhance tank flow. Thanks for the help!
 
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Well, thats entirely up to you. I have an Iwaki 55 RLT running on my closed loop in a 58 gallon tank. You can certainly go with a 55 like I am or a 40 using eductors to really jack up your flow, but your looking at a sandstorm then. IMO, you want to shoot for about 12-20 times an hour for total system turnover....IE, hypothetically speaking, you have a 25 gallon sump on this 75. Your total system volume is now 100 gallons. You want to be moving approximately 1200-200 gallons per hour through your tank. This also includes your return pump etc...you dont to run 2000 gph from your closed loop only.

Make sense?

Nick
 
Thanks maxx, that really helped.... Next question. Do I really need a pressure rated pump for my return??? I can get a little more flow on a cheaper unit if I go with a RXT. Also, sould I get the American or Japanese motor?? I guess I'm just curious what the major difference is besides price. Thanks!!!
 
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The reason I went with a pressure rated unit for my plumbing is because I was going to be using Loc-Line in my plumbing. This is relevent because Loc-Line only comes in 3/4 of inch as its largest diameter, and the Iwaki pumps that have a flow rate at 1000 gph inlet/outlets are 1 inch in diameter, so it would be constricted automatically. Non pressure pumps dont do well with restrictions, you lose ALOT of flow when you restrict them.
Basically, what you have to do is figure out your plumbing scheme...how you want it, what you want to do etc....and that will determine your pump requirements. Makes sense?

And as far as the Iwaki pumps go, the only issues I've ever heard about Iwaki pumps is from the American motors. And those are pretty rare too. The japanese motors are more expensive, but worth it IMO. As long as you do your part, (regular maintenance...just claening the impeller assembly once yearly and removing any calcium deposits etc that will cause the pump to work harder), the pump will do its part.

They dont come fully wired though. I was a little surprised, but they come with a short cord that is approximately 4 feet long, no plug. This allows you to wire an additional cord of what ever length you want to the pump which allows you all sorts of flexibility. I spent something like 10 dollars on a 10 foot cord with plug, 2 dollars on some wire butt splices (basically you stick one end of the wire into this little plastic collar, crimp it, do the same to the other side, do this a total of 3 times cause there are three individual wires, and wrap the whole thing with electrical tape and voila....you now have a 14 foot cord for your pump.), and another 2 dollars on electrical tape. Its really easy and I have NO experiance with electrical. I was honestly surprised with how ridiculously easy it was.

You might get some good ideas on plumbing and otehr things from these threads...
Project 58 (This is my thread...you can learn alot by what I did, and what I did wrong....its cheaper to learn from other peoples mistakes...
Nikkis 120 gallon saga
Some plumbing for Nikki
My new Cube
mkPaulson 210
DrB's 180 walk through
MojoReef's Building of the Beast
Some plumbing for Vickie

Lots of reading, but good info there.....

Nick
 
Nick, if you come out your pump with 1" pvc and 1" tee off at the top with two 3/4" pvc pipes with the 1" to 3/4" reducers and the use the 3/4" lock line how can that be restricting the flow, if anything you would increase flow & reduce pressure, visa versa depending on how you plumb it. This way you wouldn't need a pressure rated pump right?
 
you know what Scott.......

thats a great idea that I didnt think of.....

Your timing sucks. :D

Actually, in my case I had some space issues where that wouldnt have worked. But that would be a good thing to keep in mind for Becky here.

Nick
 
Thanks both of you for the heads up :) I will make sure to incorporate that into my plumbing return. Where can you get the 1" to 3/4" reducers??
 
I've bought most of my pluming at either Lowes (HD has crap for plumbing around here) or a local plumbing supply place.

Nick
 
Ok Becky I am here as requested. It sounds like you got some great info from the folks here, Are you stuck on something??

MIke
 
Not sure where to best position the holes in the tank. That's my last major decision for plumbing. I was thinking about a 5 config output and 2 hole input. Paul said he can make a custom drum for the 4 way so that's not a problem. Also I'm not sure whether or not to use PVC or the flex stuff. Would the 90 degree elbows restrict my flow??? What are the pros and cons for each?? Thanks for the continued help!
 
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