I'm currently using a Cor20 as a return pump. It seems like no matter what i can't get more than 250gph flow. If I were to switch to a larger pump like a Vectra L2 which has a spec that is capable of 1000gph more than the Cor20, would I get more flow going through my system if I left everything else unchanged? Currently I'm using 1/2" plumbing which is all my tank was drilled for. I tried switching to 3/4 by going out and behind the tank, but that didn't improve my flow any, I'm guessing just to many twist and turns.
bigger return pump to get more flow
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CasperOe
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Q: How big is your tank (by volume)?
Q: How much flow are you aiming for?
Q: Why do you feel 250 gph is not quite enough?
You will be somewhat restricted by the diameter of your plumbing; although you can definetly make more water pass- the pressure in the pipes (and back pressure / head pressure on the pump) increase. With a more powerful pump, this can somewhat be resolved.
You can use this formula to calculate theoretical max flow rate based on pipe diameter. Bear in mind, this is through a straight pipe with no bends.
Q: How much flow are you aiming for?
Q: Why do you feel 250 gph is not quite enough?
You will be somewhat restricted by the diameter of your plumbing; although you can definetly make more water pass- the pressure in the pipes (and back pressure / head pressure on the pump) increase. With a more powerful pump, this can somewhat be resolved.
You can use this formula to calculate theoretical max flow rate based on pipe diameter. Bear in mind, this is through a straight pipe with no bends.
CasperOe
In it to win it!
How many % are you running your COR20? Under optimal conditions (and brand new and clean!) it has a nominated flow rate or 2,000 GPH if I remember correctly.
Are you using an Apex flow meter for measuring?
CasperOe
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10x turnover?
Any special reason you're aiming for that much?
Nothing right or wrong here, just curios as your thoughts behind it..
Pistondog
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Is it rigid pipe or tubing? Using tubing can benefit flow by reducing the sharp angles usually seen in rigid. tube has a larger bend radius which helps flow. It is much easier to flow thru a gradual curve than a charp 90 deg bend.
Hats_
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Gives a nice flow, good suspension, temps stay better, dilutes my dosing quicker and prevents percipitation10x turnover?
Any special reason you're aiming for that much?
Reefering1
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What does the tank have for drains? More flow from return requires the drains to have that much more capacity, and the emergency need to handle it also
CasperOe
In it to win it!
Fair play!
I am aiming for 8-10x as well; I am predominantly using my refugium as nutrient control. Want as much water to pass through as possible.
I don't consider my return pump as part of my flow- but I assume it does contribute as well considering my plumbing diameter of 35mm
Hats_
Active Member
Im actually thinking of getting a bigger pump so i can run some equipment (chiller an frag tank) of the same one pump to reduce clutter.Fair play!
I am aiming for 8-10x as well; I am predominantly using my refugium as nutrient control. Want as much water to pass through as possible.
I don't consider my return pump as part of my flow- but I assume it does contribute as well considering my plumbing diameter of 35mm
Just out of curiosity , have you confirmed that the pump is actually putting out what you have it set at and thatbitbis not calibrated to a lower flow rate?
It's possible to "calibrate" the output of a COR pump, where you can set the maximum/minimum output, regardless of the setting on the controller or Apex.
For instance, you can set the max output to a rate that matches your drains capabilities, so when you set the pump to 100% power, it won't exceed that flow.
It probably not that, but it's definitely worth a look, just to be sure.
It's possible to "calibrate" the output of a COR pump, where you can set the maximum/minimum output, regardless of the setting on the controller or Apex.
For instance, you can set the max output to a rate that matches your drains capabilities, so when you set the pump to 100% power, it won't exceed that flow.
It probably not that, but it's definitely worth a look, just to be sure.
Pistondog
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High flow thru refugium is not necessary as the plants cannot strip nutrients that fast. More water passing will not grow chaeto faster.Fair play!
I am aiming for 8-10x as well; I am predominantly using my refugium as nutrient control. Want as much water to pass through as possible.
I don't consider my return pump as part of my flow- but I assume it does contribute as well considering my plumbing diameter of 35mm
Eshoppes sumps bypass 90% of flow around refugium.
High flow can move critters and algae out of the refigium.
What is the reason for high flow thru refugium?
CasperOe
In it to win it!
Interesting to know!
I don't know the Eshoppes tanks; we don't get them over here in Europe..Simply following the Triton recommendations of 10x turnover.. Works well for me; so no need to change a recipe that gives me reasonable success! Don't quite get to that though, more like 8x.
Thank you though; every day is a school day!
CasperOe
In it to win it!
Good to know mate!
Thanks.. I run A4R on my nano tanks with good results so far! I will consider the flow rate; might reduce it a little; pumps are running 85% currently.
Thanks for the insight!
