Submersible return pump in basement

[Cmp1985]

I have a 50 gallon DT and I plan on plumbing my sump in the basement right below it. I figure it is about 8 feet from where the pump will be to to top of the tank. Ther will be about 4 45 degree fittings. The return line is 3/4". Would running one inch pipe up to the tank and reducing it at the bulkhead help with flow. Also would a dc pump like the varos2 be sufficient?

 

[BlennyTime]

There wouldn’t be a benefit running a bigger pipe to the bulkhead. Reef octopus notes that pump is not rated for second floor applications, so it may result in premature failure.

You would want to look at the maximum head height of the pump, and build in a few extra feet for the bends and another foot or two of tolerance. Probably something in the 13’ range or so.

This is a pump some people have chosen for this application, look at the chart that shows the rating at various head heights. Probably the 9.5 or 12.

Submersible Pumps

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.marinedepot.com

 

[dwest]

There wouldn’t be a benefit running a bigger pipe to the bulkhead. Reef octopus notes that pump is not rated for second floor applications, so it may result in premature failure.

You would want to look at the maximum head height of the pump, and build in a few extra feet for the bends and another foot or two of tolerance. Probably something in the 13’ range or so.

This is a pump some people have chosen for this application, look at the chart that shows the rating at various head heights. Probably the 9.5 or 12.

Submersible Pumps

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.marinedepot.com

Agree the mag drive is a good choice.

 

[ca1ore]

Upsizing the return piping will certainly help. Most of the current crop of DC pumps are designed for flow not for pressure. Mag drives are fine, but an older design and neither quiet nor efficient. Might want to check out the Fluval SP6.

 

[Lilnoelle80]

I’m also interested in this but have higher max head requirement. I’ve looked at a variety of options and am still a bit lost as to what I should do.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Iwaki products? https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/iwaki-md-70rlt-japanese-motor-1500-gph.html

 

[CK00020]

I use a jebao dcp

 

[BCSreef]

I have been using this for 14' of head for 180gallon DT for 8 years. Sump is 150 gallons. Plenty of flow. Specs are similar to or slightly higher to 70rlt.

Pan World 200PS Magnetic Water Pump - Marine Depot

 

[Spieg]

+1 for Panworld... Iwaki is also good but overpriced IMO.

 

[MIKE NY]

Your very limited with submersible pumps with that head pressure. If you use a bulkhead with an external pump there are so many more options. Some given already. The mag pumps will work, but they are energy hogs. The Varios pumps you mention may work, but they are better suited for circulation so there isn’t much data for long term dependability. I’ve been using Reeflo pumps from my basement for well over 15 years.

 

[Cmp1985]

Your very limited with submersible pumps with that head pressure. If you use a bulkhead with an external pump there are so many more options. Some given already. The mag pumps will work, but they are energy hogs. The Varios pumps you mention may work, but they are better suited for circulation so there isn’t much data for long term dependability. I’ve been using Reeflo pumps from my basement for well over 15 years.

I ended up using a jabeo dcp13000. Works good

 

[CK00020]

I run a dcp 18000, it’s so quiet you don’t even know it’s running. I have a sicce adv 7 on my skimmer and if it’s quiet I can hear it upstairs, may be switching that to a jebao also.

 

[ksed]

I run a dcp 18000, it’s so quiet you don’t even know it’s running. I have a sicce adv 7 on my skimmer and if it’s quiet I can hear it upstairs, may be switching that to a jebao also.

What skimmer are you running the Sicce on?

 

[CK00020]

Bashsea 6-30

 

[ksed]

Bashsea 6-30

I have heard those Sicce SDC and ADV vibrate quite a bit and in turn causes them to be loud.

 

[mike550]

@Cmp1985 my situation was a bit different in that I make new saltwater in the basement and my DT is on the first floor. My vertical height was around 17’ to the top of the tank and 50‘ horizontal. Combination of 3/4” PVC to which I connect a python.

Long story short I ended up using a Panworld 150PS that ultimately delivers around 3gpm or 180gph to the tank. This is great for filling my tank but way too low for connecting a sump and DT.

My point is don’t underestimate the head loss you’ll experience. I’m guessing you can use a submersible pump but make sure it’s got more head than you think you’ll need.

 

[Screamn56]

So which is better a external or submersible pump for second floor application?

 

[JoshH]

The Varios pumps you mention may work,

Worth noting here that using any of the Varios pumps in a setup that pumps from one floor to another will immediately void the warranty on them. I had a long talk to Jeff at Coralvue about it.

 

[mike550]

So which is better a external or submersible pump for second floor application?

If I had a really good understanding of plumbing a sump, how to control flow, noise wasn’t an issue. etc I‘d seriously consider an external pump. Maintenance and inspection seems easier, and one less thing in the sump. But a submersible pump seems way simpler.