External pump/ sump return question

CSeaSee · 08-20-2007, 10:11 AM

I've got a question-
Can an external pump (like an Iwaki) draw water up from a source (like a sump) and then continue to pump it out and up, or does the water inlet on the pump need to be more or less on the same level (or below) as the source? And, if it's the latter, how is that accomplished?
Thanks!

***Reefland*** · 08-20-2007, 10:46 AM

Carl,

Yes they can draw water however the system would have to be primed to get it started. So if you were drawing water over the wall of a tank with a pump would you have to have a T at the top of the plumbing with a cap that you could remove. This would allow you to fill the plumbing with water before starting the pump.

The better option though is to have the external pump pulling water from the sump, with the plumbing going through the glass with a bulkhead.

CSeaSee · 08-20-2007, 11:37 AM

Got it- thanks!

08-20-2007, 10:11 AM	#1
CSeaSee Mayor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 664	External pump/ sump return question I've got a question- Can an external pump (like an Iwaki) draw water up from a source (like a sump) and then continue to pump it out and up, or does the water inlet on the pump need to be more or less on the same level (or below) as the source? And, if it's the latter, how is that accomplished? Thanks! __________________ Carl Just tell your wife that having a tank teaches you all sorts of new DIY skills...which will save lots of money around the house...so you can buy more stuff for your tank...so you can learn more skills...

08-20-2007, 10:46 AM	#2
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,161	Re: External pump/ sump return question Carl, Yes they can draw water however the system would have to be primed to get it started. So if you were drawing water over the wall of a tank with a pump would you have to have a T at the top of the plumbing with a cap that you could remove. This would allow you to fill the plumbing with water before starting the pump. The better option though is to have the external pump pulling water from the sump, with the plumbing going through the glass with a bulkhead. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

08-20-2007, 11:37 AM	#3
CSeaSee Mayor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 664	Re: External pump/ sump return question Got it- thanks! __________________ Carl Just tell your wife that having a tank teaches you all sorts of new DIY skills...which will save lots of money around the house...so you can buy more stuff for your tank...so you can learn more skills...

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