pump selection

[mpleleaf]

I'm in the midst of selecting a pump for my sump and was wondering if I might ask for a little advice . The sump will be placed directly under my tank @ 5 ' of head and its a 30 G aquarium . Due to the fact space is limited it will have to be submersible . Now I'm trying to get my hands on a lifereef 1400 gph but may have to go the big CPR. as I want at least 1200 gph to flow. So any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm looking for makes and models and if you know where there available in Canada . TIA , Kevin

[bertcmg]

If you go with a regular pump I would suggest looking at a Vilocity T4 I just got one and its totally silent and will give about 1100 Gph at 5ft

Thats the set up I have and I checked it with a flowmeter

I have found this to be suffecient in my 6 ft tank with 55G sump

They are very small so space ( if you have any at all should bea small concern

Sorry could'nt help you out with a in sump pump

[Reef Mike]

I second that I have a T3 as my return pump and it is completely silent. You can't hear it at all... Great pump.

Mike

[mpleleaf]

So how are they for servicing , bearing , impellers are the parts readily available ? Does Velocity have a comparable submersible unit ? I hear people say to stay away from some Rio's , are there other pumps that may be noted as unreliable ? At 5' of head should I be looking for a high pressure or a low pressure ? I've also noted that some pumps have a db rating , what would be a good rating where this tank sits in my livingroom ? The only pumps available locally are pond pumps and they roar ! So I'll definitely have to purchase from mail order ,object unheard , which makes good advice worth every penny ! TIA, Kevin !

[Reef Mike]

The velocity pumps are rated under 30 dB which is near silent. I think the parts are available.. I have seen the pump at Big Al's even so i would imagine they could get all the parts for you.

Mike

[mpleleaf]

Just for interest sake say I go with a T4 . How much room , minimum do you think I would need at the end of the sump for access and maintenance ?

[bertcmg]

About six inches. I plan on finding some use for the space over my pump

[mpleleaf]

Ok , I've got the 6" of space , so now anybody know how to tell the difference between tempered and untempered glass that I might drill for a bulkhead ? I suppose the glass shops can tell me !

[bertcmg]

If its a hagen I am told that its got tempered glass on the bottom

I drilled my 55G sump in the sides anyway with no problem

best to check with the aquarium manufacturer , 10 minutes on the phone could save you a lot of trouble IMO

Good Luck


Bert

[bertcmg]

I think you can do it in six inches but mine has over 10 Inches so please make sure that you can return the pump just in case

Better to leave some room to work in so 10 inches would be just right

[mpleleaf]

Just in luck it's a hagan as well and I have just over 10 " to play with . So it's off to glass shops to see who can drill !

[Reef Mike]

If you want I can measure exactly how much room you need to safely clear the pump. I think with 10" you should be fine.

Mike

[mpleleaf]

Just thinking about ordering the velocity T-4 and was wondering if anybody might have one for sale before I order . May be nows the time to upgrade and I can catch a deal !!!