Plumbing an external return pump without drilling?

Fin · Feb 17, 2016

Maybe check out an Eco-Tech Vectra L1 submersible. Would have to calculate what your flow would be at 15'. $450 though.

Flow: 3,100 gph
Max Head Pressure: 21.5 feet

TaylorPilot · Feb 17, 2016

dbrewsky said:
gotcha, well good luck! I would put some silicone tubing between the bulkhead and pump to reduce vibration noise and strain on the glass in case things arent lining up perfectly or you accidentally bump the pump during maintenance.

Have you found a place that sells it in larger diameters? I haven't come across it in large enough diameters to run the larger Reeflo or DC pumps. It sure would be nice, and I think would cut down on noise.

fragit · Feb 17, 2016

OH I have been. Not my first rodeo keeping a reef tank. Reefing 101, read a lot, then read some more. Ask a lot of questions, then ask more. And nothing good happens quickly. At any rate if you do have suggestions I would love to hear them thanks. I was really hoping to go with a Vectra L1, but have read in too many threads that they don't do high head pressure all that well.

TaylorPilot · Feb 17, 2016

fragit said:
I'm leaning towards an Iwaki I was thinking reeflo for a while but have read in a number of places that eventually the seals go and the pump starts leaking. Where as the Iwaki don't.

I have had a smaller panworld (iwaki clone) for about 12 years. Granted it hasn't run continuously that whole time, but they are work horses. They are loud, but are some of the most reliable pumps in the hobby. If it is in the basement, it would probably be my first choice.

Jlobes · Feb 17, 2016

agreed with others, its worth it to drill the hole and get the setup done right. it will be worth it in the long run!!

Im not a pump expert, but I do have an unused hammerhead for sale.

http://reef2reef.com/threads/fs-new-unused-reeflo-hammerhead-hybrid-gold.233748/

fragit · Feb 17, 2016

Jlobes said:
agreed with others, its worth it to drill the hole and get the setup done right. it will be worth it in the long run!!

Im not a pump expert, but I do have an unused hammerhead for sale.

http://reef2reef.com/threads/fs-new-unused-reeflo-hammerhead-hybrid-gold.233748/

Yes indeed.... I saw your post already. I am slowly piecing together my equipment as money comes in. It is on my list and I will keep yours under consideration when I'm ready to buy a pump.

joekool · Feb 17, 2016

fragit said:
I'm leaning towards an Iwaki I was thinking reeflo for a while but have read in a number of places that eventually the seals go and the pump starts leaking. Where as the Iwaki don't.

I have had no issues in over three years. the seal is an oring and yes there is a seal on the shaft. They send free parts if you ever need them. I asked for them and a new impeller just so I could clean and maintenance the pump housing got it all for free. I was only thinking about your head pressure and cost of pump and efficiency. I didn't know Iwaki made a pump that big.

I guess I never asked how much water you needed at 15' for your tank.

fragit · Feb 17, 2016

joekool said:
I have had no issues in over three years. the seal is an oring and yes there is a seal on the shaft. They send free parts if you ever need them. I asked for them and a new impeller just so I could clean and maintenance the pump housing got it all for free. I was only thinking about your head pressure and cost of pump and efficiency. I didn't know Iwaki made a pump that big.

I guess I never asked how much water you needed at 15' for your tank.

Hmmm. Great info on the reeflo thanks, I may reconsider. Sounds like great customer service too. Yes Iwaki does have a few models that will meet my needs. My DT will be 120gal, 40 breeder refugium, and about 20 gallons in my 40breeder sump, so a total of like 180ish gallons minus rocks etc. I would like to have a high turn over rate as my basement stays pretty cool year long (Maine), and I will be focusing on SPS so good flow right out of the gates is something I'm interested in. I will let you know what I decide to go with!

Fin · Feb 17, 2016

I think maybe the older ReeFlo pumps were worse about the shaft seal leaking than the newer ones. I used to have to change the seal about every 18 months. The one I have now has been running for several years and no leak in sight. I would like to know where you can get free parts for ReeFlo pumps though. That was never the case when I ordered mine and I got them from ReeFlo.

Aaron hacking · Feb 17, 2016

You could find a submersible and put in a booster pump down stream... That's what I'm getting ready to do right now. I bought my submersible and didn't think about head pressure. Luckily I bought two of them so I'm just going to cut one in closer to the top of the tank.