[blenny]

I'm buying a used 80 gallon tank with sump and fuge. The person has already sold the pump on it. When I ask what pump he ran on it he told me a Mag 2400. I called around to a couple of LFS and they all tell me that's waaaaay too much for my setup. Any one know what size pump I need?

Thanks!

[Reefland]

Hi blenny,

There are several things to consider when looking at a return pump. Some of them include the amount of flow the return pump will add to total flow and if that will be too much for the sump. Can you run it submersed or does it need to be external? Is it going to add too much to the water temperature and if it does, how will you combat it? How much money can I spend on a pump?

For an 80 gallon, I think a MAG 12 would be suitable with a ball valve on the output just in case it needs to be controlled.

[blenny]

Thanks very much for the info. Unfortunately, I am completely ignorant when it comes to sumps. My current set up is a 29 gallon, no sump. This was such a great deal on the tank, that I hated to pass it up, and I even though plumming scares me to death, I felt it was something I needed to know. I do like to have a lot of flow in the tank. As far as cost, I feel that when it comes to pumps, that's not the place to skimp on. The mag12 sounds fine with the ball valve (and it's the first time I've heard of a ball valve!)

I have a lot of aquarium books, but none that go into depth regarding sumps. Thanks for your help.

[Reefland]

A Ball Valve is a flow controller that can be placed in line with the plumbing; the same as gate valves which are much more accurate. The important thing is to always put the valve on the output of the pump and never the input as restricting the flow coming into the pump will reduce the pumps lifespan.

The thing with the sump is it needs plenty of baffles to diffuse any micro-bubbles before the reach the reutn pump or else you will be challenged with a million micro bubbles in your tank.

[blenny]

It's becoming clearer, thank you. Thanks for letting me know about the baffles, I had micro bubble problem with my Aqua C skimmer on my 29g (had to spend more $ and buy the prefilter box, but it worked). I need a marine plumbing 101 class!

[Sueet]

Originally Posted by blenny

I need a marine plumbing 101 class!

heh,, IF you find that class, gimme a holler, cuz I sure need it too! lol

[blenny]

I have about 10 different marine books and not one goes in depth about plumbing!

[Reefland]

Plumbing is pretty simple actually, unless you really want to make it complicated with manifolds, etc. All you need is to take your pump to the hardware store and buy the fittings that will connect to the pump and the appropriate size pipe to fit the fitting. A couple of 90 degree elbows to hang over the back of the tank and your all set.

With any plumbing project, the use of ball valves or gate valves and unions to make disconnecting equipment easy is essential.

[Sueet]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Plumbing is pretty simple actually.

Hah.... I suppose you would believe me if I said "Having babies is pretty simple actually...unless you want to make it complicated" .... lol... we all have our interests, and sometimes, things that seem ultra simple to us, are not so clear to others... I agree with Blenny... this plumbing stuff is scary business!

[Sueet]

Anyone care to take a look at this contraption, and tell me if it is feasible (meaning: Will it DO what they SAY it will do?) :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

It sounds reasonable to me, but I've already stated plumbing is definitely not my cup of .. well, whatever liquid might be in that cup

[Reefland]

Originally Posted by Sueet

Anyone care to take a look at this contraption, and tell me if it is feasible (meaning: Will it DO what they SAY it will do?) :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

It sounds reasonable to me, but I've already stated plumbing is definitely not my cup of .. well, whatever liquid might be in that cup

Sounds kind of "fishy" to me. Here is a much better choice for a continuous siphon overflow:
http://www.lifereef.com/siphon.html

[Sueet]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Sounds kind of "fishy" to me.

hehe... "fishy" in a bad way? What are you thinking? Thanks much for the advice