Pump for 180 gallon DT

[CaptRob]

Ok I need some input on a return pump for my 180 DT. It is a 60” tank with 2 corner drains and 2 returns on the back. I will have a few 90’s in my plumbing and would also like to run my UV light off it. Will the Eco M2 be ok or do I need to go to the L2? Or is there another pump you recommend? I don’t care about all the extra features, just wxx as my to be able to dial it up or down.

 

[JPK_Esquire]

Just setup my 180g (60”) and am using a Neptune COR-20 and a COR-15. I think you’re on the right track thinking about the 90s in the plumbing, but the pipe/tube diameter is also going to affect things. What are you using the UV for? If for algae (likely requires 950+ gph) I think it is difficult to run UV off your return pump in my opinion. In order to get 950+ gph going from the return pump and through the UV you have to have some big bulkheads for the drains. I did a lot of research on this when I was planning the tank and plumbing. Throw in 90s and head heigh and you’re having lots of issues to get the right flow through the UV.

I’ve got 1” drains (Bean animal) and 3/4” returns (didn’t want the internal overflow getting too big). I plumbed my UV off of the COR-20 using 3/4” tubing and I am only getting 520 gph (LFS did the install so don’t ask why they used 3/4” tube instead of 1”). Accordingly, Monday I am taking the UV off of the return pump and am going to run it directly off a separate Sicce Syncra 5 pump.

I don’t know how much this helps, but I would say make sure pay attention to the pipe/tube size as that will affect the flow as well, and if running off the return consider the drain lines as well. The COR-20 is rated for 2000 gph and using 3/4” tube I’m only getting 520 directly off the pump.

 

[CaptRob]

Just setup my 180g (60”) and am using a Neptune COR-20 and a COR-15. I think you’re on the right track thinking about the 90s in the plumbing, but the pipe/tube diameter is also going to affect things. What are you using the UV for? If for algae (likely requires 950+ gph) I think it is difficult to run UV off your return pump in my opinion. In order to get 950+ gph going from the return pump and through the UV you have to have some big bulkheads for the drains. I did a lot of research on this when I was planning the tank and plumbing. Throw in 90s and head heigh and you’re having lots of issues to get the right flow through the UV.

I’ve got 1” drains (Bean animal) and 3/4” returns (didn’t want the internal overflow getting too big). I plumbed my UV off of the COR-20 using 3/4” tubing and I am only getting 520 gph (LFS did the install so don’t ask why they used 3/4” tube instead of 1”). Accordingly, Monday I am taking the UV off of the return pump and am going to run it directly off a separate Sicce Syncra 5 pump.

I don’t know how much this helps, but I would say make sure pay attention to the pipe/tube size as that will affect the flow as well, and if running off the return consider the drain lines as well. The COR-20 is rated for 2000 gph and using 3/4” tube I’m only getting 520 directly off the pump.

I have 1 1/2 drains and 1” returns. I use my UV for algae and parasites with very low flow through it.

 

[Steve180]

I have the same setup and I run the L1. Go with the bigger pump since you’re running a manifold. It’s always good to have more power and adjust them as you need them.