Lets talk External Return Pumps - help please

Mini Coop · Oct 7, 2017

Getting ready to plumb my sump to the basement in a new 180 install - see Mini Coop's 180 build thread.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-180-build-mini-coops-dream-tank.327141/

The sump plan: (2) 1" drains will come together at a "T" and then a 2" drain to the sump: a 44 gallon long, with filter sock, protein skimmer and ATO. Bulkhead being drilled into the side of the 44 long so that it will then drain into a 100 gallon trough with live rock. I already have the 1 1/4" bulkhead for the 1" pvc to go to external pump.

The external: HELP! The water will actually have to travel up about 15'. The tank size is 180. What do you recommend. I want something reliable and that will last a long time. However, I have no experience with external pumps. I have looked at the Iwaki pump, but not sure WMD-40RLXT - 1344 GPH - IWAKI AMERICA is big enough as it is rated at a max of 15 ft. and 1344 gph. I am not exactly sure what my gph should be either. I will have great power heads for flow, just not sure what the water turnover should be.

Any help appreciated!

JoshH · Oct 7, 2017

Here is a flow chart of Iwaki pumps, as you can see the 40RLXT maxes out at 15ft so you will pretty much get 0 flow at tank height. You might need to step up to something bigger. I'm not lucky enough to be able to have a sump room so I haven't had to tackle this issue myself but I can provide a chart to help you along. And most people shoot for the 5-10x turnover rate for there return pumps, I'm a little more than that myself but my drain feeds a separate refugium as well.

sbash · Oct 7, 2017

JoshH said:
Here is a flow chart of Iwaki pumps, as you can see the 40RLXT maxes out at 15ft so you will pretty much get 0 flow at tank height. You might need to step up to something bigger. I'm not lucky enough to be able to have a sump room so I haven't had to tackle this issue myself but I can provide a chart to help you along. And most people shoot for the 5-10x turnover rate for there return pumps, I'm a little more than that myself but my drain feeds a separate refugium as well.

Nice, I was just looking for that, lol

Yeah, the 40RLXT will not cut it at 15ft. If you did use it, it would likely just end up being a disappointment.

Go with a nice larger one (which you can dial back if you need to)... Such as the https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reeflo-barracuda-hammerhead-hybrid-6000-4590gph.html, for example...

Breadman03 · Oct 8, 2017

I’m now running a Blueline 70 on my 150 with basement sump and it’s flowing a lot of water.

ksed · Oct 8, 2017

Breadman03 said:
I’m now running a Blueline 70 on my 150 with basement sump and it’s flowing a lot of water.

Also another great pump.
Blue line , panworld, all copies of the Iwaki.
All very reliable and excellent for head pressure. No seals on these pumps. Reeflo on the other hand do have seals which are prone to leak after a while. Good pumps nevertheless.

Mini Coop · Oct 8, 2017

This is awesome - THANK YOU!!

@Breadman03 and @ksed - I was looking at the blueline last night. I am leaning heavily in this direction. I was debating between the blueline 70 HD and the 100 HD. I don't want to go in overkill, but am looking at a total volume of around 300 gallons.

@sbash - do you know if there is a chart like that for the blueline pumps? I have looked all over and can't find one.

JoshH said:
Here is a flow chart of Iwaki pumps, as you can see the 40RLXT maxes out at 15ft so you will pretty much get 0 flow at tank height. You might need to step up to something bigger. I'm not lucky enough to be able to have a sump room so I haven't had to tackle this issue myself but I can provide a chart to help you along. And most people shoot for the 5-10x turnover rate for there return pumps, I'm a little more than that myself but my drain feeds a separate refugium as well.

Breadman03 · Oct 8, 2017

Mini Coop said:
This is awesome - THANK YOU!!

@Breadman03 and @ksed - I was looking at the blueline last night. I am leaning heavily in this direction. I was debating between the blueline 70 HD and the 100 HD. I don't want to go in overkill, but am looking at a total volume of around 300 gallons.

@sbash - do you know if there is a chart like that for the blueline pumps? I have looked all over and can't find one.

Yep. It’s on the manufacturer’s site. The link is right above the table of pumps. I think the 70 will be plenty for you.

http://bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd.html

Mini Coop · Oct 8, 2017

Breadman03 said:
Yep. It’s on the manufacturer’s site. The link is right above the table of pumps. I think the 70 will be plenty for you.

http://bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd.html

Yes!! Thank you - no idea why I didn't see it there!! Looks like the 70 will be great! 100 might be overkill!! YEAHH!!!! Now to go figure out where to buy it!

Flippers4pups · Oct 8, 2017

The Panworld 200ps is the exact pump as the Blueline 70HD. Same specs, exact same design, same parts and is made in the same factory, they just brand them Panworld or blueline.

Marine depot and bulk reef supply have them.

Good choice, my Panworld 150ps has been running two years without a problem non stop. These pumps will last 10+years!

Mini Coop · Oct 8, 2017

Flippers4pups said:
The Panworld 200ps is the exact pump as the Blueline 70HD. Same specs, exact same design, same parts and is made in the same factory, they just brand them Panworld or blueline.

Marine depot and bulk reef supply have them.

Good choice, my Panworld 150ps has been running two years without a problem non stop. These pumps will last 10+years!

SWEET! Ordering today!

Flippers4pups · Oct 8, 2017

Mini Coop said:
SWEET! Ordering today!

Awesome!

TriggerCorals · Dec 18, 2017

Interested to see how it works out. I will have an estimated 20 ft of head pressure (with distance and bends factored). Since I am going with triton system for my 180, I need to have 1800 GPH flow ideally. I'm looking at reeflo, but I'm curious to see how the one you purchased does for you.

Mini Coop · Dec 19, 2017

TriggerCorals said:
Interested to see how it works out. I will have an estimated 20 ft of head pressure (with distance and bends factored). Since I am going with triton system for my 180, I need to have 1800 GPH flow ideally. I'm looking at reeflo, but I'm curious to see how the one you purchased does for you.

Me too - with my different angles I am going to have to run, I am thinking I might be closer to 20 ft. as well with a couple of angles. I am nervous to see how it goes.

ca1ore · Dec 19, 2017

Keep in mind that most of the Iwaki pumps, and their clones, come in two configurations - one designed for pressure and one designed for flow. The motors are identical, but the impeller and volute are different. Typically the flow pumps will have larger NPT threads. If one is pushing against head pressure than the pressure models will be better - they will show a lower zero head number but lose much less as head increases. Hard to beat these for reliability though. My original Iwaki 40 lasted me for 20 years, running continuously. I have a few PanWorld pumps that have reached 10 years. Highly recommended.

BTW, upsizing pipe size makes a big difference. I run the panworld 200 as my main pump. Through 1" return hose I was getting about 950 gph. Upsizing to 1 1/2" flex PVC now gives me 1375.