Through the Floor Top Off

[Cool Fish]

I want to build a water top off system that will be located directly underneath my tank, one floor below, in the basement. There would be about a 16' run from the reservoir below to the tank upstairs. Some questions that come to mind are:
-What pump should I use?
-What size piping should I use?
-Can I reduce the piping to a smaller size the higher I go?
Any other thoughts, comments, or tips would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

[Jekyl]

I want to build a water top off system that will be located directly underneath my tank, one floor below, in the basement. There would be about a 16' run from the reservoir below to the tank upstairs. Some questions that come to mind are:
-What pump should I use?
-What size piping should I use?
-Can I reduce the piping to a smaller size the higher I go?
Any other thoughts, comments, or tips would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

If going through all the trouble you could move your sump down there. Just food for thought

 

[chaostactics]

Quality pump manufacturers will tell you how much head and what diameter line you can use. You best bet would probably be a large peristaltic pump.

Have fail safes, prevent siphon, consider check valves, multiple fill sensors, etc.

 

[DaddyFish]

I've been considering a similar ATO setup, but a "quality pump" is something like a Stenner brand. They're going to set you back $300.

 

[chaostactics]

I've been considering a similar ATO setup, but a "quality pump" is something like a Stenner brand. They're going to set you back $300.

Versa Peristaltic Dosing Pump

Dose, change water, operate reactors and more, easily and reliably with the Versa. The All New EcoTech Versa is a specially designed aquarium peristaltic pump from EcoTech Marine. Much more than a traditional “dosing” pump, the Versa is extremely precise, robust, and versatile. The Versa...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

18' of head pressure

 

[ckozma]

Versa or DOS, PMUP would be a better solution if it pumps that far

 

[outhouse]

I Would not do that much rise. Power consumption long term would be through the roof. I would build a platform and raise my sump height so its closer to ceiling. I ran an Iwaki ac pump for years, great choice but power consumption very high. after a few decades I switched to a DC pump at 45% running 1 1/4" pvc and it cut power consumption by 3/4.

 

[rhostam]

Following along as I’m planning something similar.

I’m going to raise my mix station as high as I reasonably can while maintaining access to reduce the height as much as possible.

I’m planning on using a PMUP since mine have performed well in other roles/ configurations. Though the head pressure may still be too much even if PMUP is spec’ed for 14 feet.

 

[chaostactics]

I Would not do that much rise. Power consumption long term would be through the roof. I would build a platform and raise my sump height so its closer to ceiling. I ran an Iwaki ac pump for years, great choice but power consumption very high. after a few decades I switched to a DC pump at 45% running 1 1/4" pvc and it cut power consumption by 3/4.

Peristaltic isn't going to pull nearly as much power as an impeller pump.

 

[outhouse]

Peristaltic isn't going to pull nearly as much power as an impeller pump.

its not a viable solution, unless your running a small tank. one will need 250-500 gph.. I have a 210g display tank and run 500 gph which is not a lot of flow. but plenty to run the 100g sump I have in the basement.

 

[outhouse]

jebao dcp 10000 has 18' of head and its what ive been using for years at 45%. I think im 55W using a meter. pump was roughly 130 bucks. the pump has paid for itself in the first year just in electricity savings compared to my Iwaki which used to be the best basement pumps a guy could buy. now I only use it for water changes doing 100g transfers.

 

[outhouse]

Peristaltic isn't going to pull nearly as much power as an impeller pump.

Now if OP is just going to have a small top off container connected to his tanks ATO then yes, as he would not need any real flow. But it would also be a huge waste of money not to have ro/di, a sump for water changes and skimmer and other equipment. I do water changes under my house and it takes 10 minutes to do 100g water changes. OP wasnt clear exactly what he was doing at this time, so your idea as good as any until we find out more info.

 

[FortyFour44]

I use the PMUP in a similar situation.

 

[Cool Fish]

I've been considering a similar ATO setup, but a "quality pump" is something like a Stenner brand. They're going to set you back $300.

Yikes!

 

[Cool Fish]

If going through all the trouble you could move your sump down there. Just food for thought

True. But, I like readily looking at it.

 

[Cool Fish]

I use the PMUP in a similar situation.

I'll check it out. Thanks!

 

[Cool Fish]

Following along as I’m planning something similar.

I’m going to raise my mix station as high as I reasonably can while maintaining access to reduce the height as much as possible.

I’m planning on using a PMUP since mine have performed well in other roles/ configurations. Though the head pressure may still be too much even if PMUP is spec’ed for 14 feet.

Good Idea.

 

[Cool Fish]

jebao dcp 10000 has 18' of head and its what ive been using for years at 45%. I think im 55W using a meter. pump was roughly 130 bucks. the pump has paid for itself in the first year just in electricity savings compared to my Iwaki which used to be the best basement pumps a guy could buy. now I only use it for water changes doing 100g transfers.

I'll have to take a closer look at that.

 

[Cool Fish]

Versa Peristaltic Dosing Pump

Dose, change water, operate reactors and more, easily and reliably with the Versa. The All New EcoTech Versa is a specially designed aquarium peristaltic pump from EcoTech Marine. Much more than a traditional “dosing” pump, the Versa is extremely precise, robust, and versatile. The Versa...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

18' of head pressure

I will definitely check this out. Thanks!

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

For 12 volt DC Pump, the cheapest would be two pumps in series, with a 5.5mm X 2.1mm Splitter cable.