Advice on Pump Sound/Noise

[bolza171]

Hello folks,

After a long wait, I finally started putting together my new setup. It took me almost 2 years to build the house and now I'm setting up the aquarium.

I need an advice on how to reduce the sound/noise of an AMP Master 3600.

The pump is awesome for my 250 gallons tank and 90g sump, however it's sound is a bit to high for my wife acceptance. It's a deep bass sound that reverbs all around the house.

Has Anyone faced a similar problem? How did you solve it?

I'm not sure if I could cover it with a box of some plastic foam because of the heat dissipation.

Thanks in advance for any help

Best Regards

Adriano

[MISTERFIXIT]

Hey Adriano,

How many gals per hour and such would be nice.Maybe an alternative pump???

Marc

[bolza171]

Marc,

Because of the height pressure: 5.5'. Most of the pumps I searched had significant loss or very high power consumption. This one is delivering about 2000G/H and I'll use it also to supply the chiller. This will represent 8x the tank/hour

Another tough problem is: I live in Brazil where is very difficult to get good equipment with a reasonable price. Most of what I need I've used to buy in my trips to USA otherwise I have to 4x its price in Brazil.

I need to pursue a noise reducer a bit longer.

Regards

Adriano

[Steven Pro]

Placing the pump (And in some cases the sump as well) on a sheet of styrofoam helps to isolate noise. Also, be sure you use the right size plumbing. Too often people use a smaller diameter pipe that what is needed. This adds pressure and causes some pumps to cavitate.

[golfish]

I've found that if I install a small section (maybe 6" long) of spa flex or vinyl tubing at each end of the pump this cuts down on any noise. I'm guessing your using 1.5" PVC, you can make a cut, add two couplers and a small section of 1.5" spa flex. I've also done it with clear vinyl tubing and hose clamps (I'm guessing it was about 2" ID, I know it slipped over the 1.5" PVC pretty tight) the spa flex looks cleaner tho.

[Ninong]

Dolphin makes an anti-vibration pad that fits to the bottom of the pump: http://www.customaquatic.com/customa...subcatID=wp-ac

It sells for about $10 over here. Or you could simply put some sort of padding under the pump. I used an old padded plastic placemat and cut it into pieces just the right size. I used three pieces to give me a thickness of about 1/4" under the pump. And, as golfish suggested, I used vinyl tubing between the sump and the pump's intake.

[bolza171]

Folks,

Thanks for the advices. I'll try the vinyl or other similar flexible tubing.

I already have 1.5" of styrofoam under the pump and sump. I have the isolation pad but I don't have space to install it. Eventually after adding the flex tubing I'll be able to fit it.

I have to find this flex tubing in 2" diameter. When I bought the pump, Dolphin was delivering all pumps with 2" in/out because some supply problems and all the tubing at the setup now has 2"

I'll let you know the progress after the installation. It will take few days.

Regards

Adriano

[MISTERFIXIT]

Hey Adriano,

I'm using a mag 24 on my 90 gal tank and I put 2 pieces of 1in clear vinyl tubing under the pump to isolate it from the bottom of the sump.Hey if you need some help getting supplies look at some of the Reefland sponsors or members.We can help.Have to look at shipping cost etc ,but what the hey!This place is the best for help with any salt water questions, why not other things.These guys and gals are the best!!!


Marc

[bolza171]

Folks,

I've just implemented the flex tubbing from sump to pump and then to tank. Unfortunately I had to reduce the pipes diameter. Now I'll operate it with 1.5".

It has not solve completely the problem but has reduced a lot the noise, up to a level to get WIFE's approval.

Next step in the long range is to build accustic box for the pump.

For now I have to solve a leaking from the main tank through the overflow.

Thank you very much for all suggestions. Once more I'm very greatfull for all the tips from this forum.

Regards

Adriano

[golfish]

Folks,

Now I'll operate it with 1.5".

Adriano,
If the pump has 2" intake fittings and you reduce it to 1.5" your going to shorten the life of the pump and probably make more noise. The output is ok to reduce, not the input.

[bolza171]

Golfish,

In reality, Dolphin AmpMaster 3600 has standard in/out with 1.5".

When I bought it, they had a supply problem and sent me a pump with 2" intakes plus the 1.5" adapters.

At the same time, I can say I'm still operating at almost at 2" because the plumbing I'm using has 46mm free. It has 2" at the outside. I had to reduce to this diameter because I couldn't find flex tube with larger then 2" internally to fit tight in the plumbing.

Anyway the noise has been reduced significantly. Thanks for the advice.

Regards