Pump for basement sump

Frozn · Dec 29, 2014

So I want to move my sump and everything into the basement in the near future and ive been trying to zero in on a pump. There seems to be a good group of options but locating a head loss chart for each is proving to be a bit more difficult.

It seems a lot of pumps will be listed as 1100gph with 18' max head for example. But i really need a chart. Because 18' is max, but what is the flow at max and whats it at like 12'.

My vertical distance will be about 10' then an elbow and some valves, unions so id say about 12-13' head loss. Would like about 500gph +/- at that height with 100watts or less of power consumption. Would like minimal noise (obv right? Haha). External or internal, however i feel external will be more viable.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Paul C. · Dec 30, 2014

I'm kinda in the same situation. Looking at RL Waveline DC pumps. I have 3 currently. One in their skimmer, and the other two as returns for my two tanks. Great pumps, quiet and no issues at around a year of use. Check out Aquarium Specialty. They have the flow numbers at height you wanted to view.

Frozn · Dec 30, 2014

Yeah those pumps seem ok. However the gen1 series seem to be full of issues and the new gen2 don't seem to have much long term usage to get a fair judgement. Also at the price it is comparable to other pumps on the market with far more backing and use. Definitely want a pump that'll last when it is going to run 200-$300 and be relied upon 24/7.

JMSKI333 · Dec 30, 2014

I am using a Diablo DC 10500 to pump from my basement 14' with 1 1/4" PVC with probabaly 8x-10x 45* elbows. I don't even have the pump on its highest setting and flow is great, pump is quiet and so far reliable. I have only been using it for about a month. Word on the street is that a Jabao dc12000 is the exact same pump so I purchased one to keep as a backup. Better safe than sorry. Replacing a pump with that kind of head pressure in a bind is a lot harder than just a below the stand sump pump.

The Diablo DC 10500 has been discontinued but reef octopus is working on a new line. You can still find the Diablos around but the Jabao is definitely an option for half the price. When I purchased the Diablo (year ago) I bought it for the name since Jabao was new and untested for quality at the time.

FL_Reefer · Dec 30, 2014

I had a a pan world pump on my 220 and it was an awesome pump. Easy to clean and strong.

AquariumSpecialty · Jan 13, 2015

Frozn said:
Yeah those pumps seem ok. However the gen1 series seem to be full of issues and the new gen2 don't seem to have much long term usage to get a fair judgement. Also at the price it is comparable to other pumps on the market with far more backing and use. Definitely want a pump that'll last when it is going to run 200-$300 and be relied upon 24/7.

Actually the Gen 2 pumps have been around for almost 2 years now.