Note to self

kgstei · Feb 1, 2021

Get the generator fixed dumb**s!

chevy4w · Feb 1, 2021

Oh no!

kgstei · Feb 1, 2021

Powers back on only out for about 15 seconds but that was enough To inspire me

Tacticool-Reefer · Feb 1, 2021

Just bought a new generator myselff, doesn’t mean I want to track outside to turn it on if something happens, how are the winds by you guys?

RobB'z Reef · Feb 1, 2021

JakeAndAmanda · Feb 2, 2021

I detailed a 55’ hatteras in exchange for a few tools and a 9k generator.... never got the generator since the guy who I did it for has a son who couldn’t get it started so he took it apart and couldn’t put it back together. Last time the power went out I had to run an extension cord to my car and use an inverter to keep my tank alive. Now I’m ticked, thanks for bringing it up lol

JakeAndAmanda · Feb 2, 2021

https://www.marinedepot.com/maxspect-jump-dc-return-pump-with-controller-3170-gph what do you guys think about this for a return pump with 10’ish of head on a 120?

Tacticool-Reefer · Feb 2, 2021

JakeAndAmanda said:
https://www.marinedepot.com/maxspect-jump-dc-return-pump-with-controller-3170-gph what do you guys think about this for a return pump with 10’ish of head on a 120?

Impact of Diameter and Length of Return Tubing

Easily estimating the impact, diameter and total length of tubing have on head pressure is difficult. This is because the flow rate of the pump impacts it; i.e., the faster the pump, the greater the impact. Below is a chart you can use to estimate the impact based on the size of the return tubing and the target flow rate you are trying to achieve.

	500 gph	750 gph	1000 gph	1500 gph
0.5” Tubing	Add 0.60/Foot	Add 1.40/Foot	Add 2.50/Foot	Add 5.20/Foot
0.75” Tubing	Add 0.15/Foot	Add 0.40/Foot	Add 0.65/Foot	Add 1.40/Foot
1.0” Tubing	Add 0.05/Foot	Add 0.10/Foot	Add 0.20/Foot	Add 0.40/Foot
1.5” Tubing	N/A	Add 0.02/Foot	Add 0.03/Foot	Add 0.06/Foot
2.0”+ Tubing	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

So if you are using 0.75” tubing at a length of 5 feet and are trying to achieve a flow rate of 1000 gph, you would have an additional 3.25 feet of head pressure (0.65 x 5 feet) on your return pump.

In general, it is best to use as large of a tube or pipe that is reasonable as possible as this will minimize the amount of head pressure on your pump. While larger tubing and fittings will be more expensive and take up more room, you will generally make that back up by being able to purchase a smaller, less expensive return pump. Smaller pumps also have the added benefit of using less energy, so you’ll save a bit on your energy bill too. If you want to read more about flow through pipes, research the Hazen-Williams Equation.

Impact of Pipe Fittings

For ¾” Tubing and Smaller: Add 1 foot of head pressure for every 90-degree turn.
For 1” Tubing and Larger: Add 1/2 foot of head pressure for every 90-degree turn.

Impact of Inline Equipment

This is another tough one to estimate. As a general rule, we do not recommend running equipment in-line with your return pump. Doing this will not only negatively impact your return flow rate, but it will also generally be too much flow for your equipment to run properly. If it’s unavoidable, here are some approximations you can use:

Filters: Approximately 2 to 4 feet of additional head pressure
Chillers: Approximately 2 to 4 feet of additional head pressure
UV Sterilizers: Approximately 1 to 2 feet of additional head pressure

The formula for Calculating Head Pressure

So where does that leave us? Add up all the impacts described above, and this should give you a good estimate of the head pressure your system has. That in combination with how much flow your drains can handle will help you determine what size pump you need.

Total Head Pressure = Pump Lift Distance + Diameter and Length of Return Tubing + Pipe Fittings + Inline Equipment

JakeAndAmanda · Feb 2, 2021

https://www.marinedepot.com/maxspect-jump-dc-return-pump-with-controller-3170-gph what do you guys think about this for a return pump with 10’ish of head on a 120

Tacticool-Reefer said:
Impact of Diameter and Length of Return Tubing
Easily estimating the impact, diameter and total length of tubing have on head pressure is difficult. This is because the flow rate of the pump impacts it; i.e., the faster the pump, the greater the impact. Below is a chart you can use to estimate the impact based on the size of the return tubing and the target flow rate you are trying to achieve.

500 gph 750 gph 1000 gph 1500 gph
0.5” Tubing Add 0.60/Foot Add 1.40/Foot Add 2.50/Foot Add 5.20/Foot
0.75” Tubing Add 0.15/Foot Add 0.40/Foot Add 0.65/Foot Add 1.40/Foot
1.0” Tubing Add 0.05/Foot Add 0.10/Foot Add 0.20/Foot Add 0.40/Foot
1.5” Tubing N/A Add 0.02/Foot Add 0.03/Foot Add 0.06/Foot
2.0”+ Tubing N/A N/A N/A N/A

So if you are using 0.75” tubing at a length of 5 feet and are trying to achieve a flow rate of 1000 gph, you would have an additional 3.25 feet of head pressure (0.65 x 5 feet) on your return pump.

In general, it is best to use as large of a tube or pipe that is reasonable as possible as this will minimize the amount of head pressure on your pump. While larger tubing and fittings will be more expensive and take up more room, you will generally make that back up by being able to purchase a smaller, less expensive return pump. Smaller pumps also have the added benefit of using less energy, so you’ll save a bit on your energy bill too. If you want to read more about flow through pipes, research the Hazen-Williams Equation.

Impact of Pipe Fittings

For ¾” Tubing and Smaller: Add 1 foot of head pressure for every 90-degree turn.

For 1” Tubing and Larger: Add 1/2 foot of head pressure for every 90-degree turn.

Impact of Inline Equipment
This is another tough one to estimate. As a general rule, we do not recommend running equipment in-line with your return pump. Doing this will not only negatively impact your return flow rate, but it will also generally be too much flow for your equipment to run properly. If it’s unavoidable, here are some approximations you can use:

Filters: Approximately 2 to 4 feet of additional head pressure

Chillers: Approximately 2 to 4 feet of additional head pressure

UV Sterilizers: Approximately 1 to 2 feet of additional head pressure

The formula for Calculating Head Pressure
So where does that leave us? Add up all the impacts described above, and this should give you a good estimate of the head pressure your system has. That in combination with how much flow your drains can handle will help you determine what size pump you need.

Total Head Pressure = Pump Lift Distance + Diameter and Length of Return Tubing + Pipe Fittings + Inline Equipment

Thank you for the info, I’ll do some investigating tonight with the info you provided and get a rough estimate

JMetaxas · Feb 2, 2021

I have a 8000 watt Generator for my home. For some reason, we lose power in our area of Old Saybrook way too often. So, that Generator has saved my butt (and my Reef tank) several times since moving to this area. In fact, I'm so paranoid, that I bought a small 2000 watt back up Generator just in case the big boy gives me a problem in the middle of an outage.

Marc11 · Feb 2, 2021

I too have a house generator and a backup in the garage. This hobby messes with your head!

JMetaxas · Feb 2, 2021

Well worth it:

kgstei · Feb 2, 2021

I couldn't get mine started the last time and the cord broke so I tossed it in the shed. Tune to dig it out, well maybe after the snow melts

JakeAndAmanda · Feb 7, 2021

Tacticool-Reefer said:
Impact of Diameter and Length of Return Tubing
Easily estimating the impact, diameter and total length of tubing have on head pressure is difficult. This is because the flow rate of the pump impacts it; i.e., the faster the pump, the greater the impact. Below is a chart you can use to estimate the impact based on the size of the return tubing and the target flow rate you are trying to achieve.

500 gph 750 gph 1000 gph 1500 gph
0.5” Tubing Add 0.60/Foot Add 1.40/Foot Add 2.50/Foot Add 5.20/Foot
0.75” Tubing Add 0.15/Foot Add 0.40/Foot Add 0.65/Foot Add 1.40/Foot
1.0” Tubing Add 0.05/Foot Add 0.10/Foot Add 0.20/Foot Add 0.40/Foot
1.5” Tubing N/A Add 0.02/Foot Add 0.03/Foot Add 0.06/Foot
2.0”+ Tubing N/A N/A N/A N/A

So if you are using 0.75” tubing at a length of 5 feet and are trying to achieve a flow rate of 1000 gph, you would have an additional 3.25 feet of head pressure (0.65 x 5 feet) on your return pump.

In general, it is best to use as large of a tube or pipe that is reasonable as possible as this will minimize the amount of head pressure on your pump. While larger tubing and fittings will be more expensive and take up more room, you will generally make that back up by being able to purchase a smaller, less expensive return pump. Smaller pumps also have the added benefit of using less energy, so you’ll save a bit on your energy bill too. If you want to read more about flow through pipes, research the Hazen-Williams Equation.

Impact of Pipe Fittings

For ¾” Tubing and Smaller: Add 1 foot of head pressure for every 90-degree turn.

For 1” Tubing and Larger: Add 1/2 foot of head pressure for every 90-degree turn.

Impact of Inline Equipment
This is another tough one to estimate. As a general rule, we do not recommend running equipment in-line with your return pump. Doing this will not only negatively impact your return flow rate, but it will also generally be too much flow for your equipment to run properly. If it’s unavoidable, here are some approximations you can use:

Filters: Approximately 2 to 4 feet of additional head pressure

Chillers: Approximately 2 to 4 feet of additional head pressure

UV Sterilizers: Approximately 1 to 2 feet of additional head pressure

The formula for Calculating Head Pressure
So where does that leave us? Add up all the impacts described above, and this should give you a good estimate of the head pressure your system has. That in combination with how much flow your drains can handle will help you determine what size pump you need.

Total Head Pressure = Pump Lift Distance + Diameter and Length of Return Tubing + Pipe Fittings + Inline Equipment

so i decided on doing an external return line as instead of drilling larger holes or a third on the other side of he tank. so ill use both existing 1' lines for the overflow and emergency but now my problem is i cant seem to find a return nozzle for that size line.