Using a inexpensive utility sump pump to move water from Brute?

codee · Jan 29, 2021

Does anyone use an inexpensive utility sump pump to move saltwater from their Brute (or mixing station) up to their tank?

I need a pump with at least 15 of head height, as I'm pushing water up the stairs from the basement. Most of these utility pumps do not indicate if they are safe pushing potable water.

I know Sicce makes a utility pump, but it's only rated to 10 feet of head pressure. Anyone know of something similar rated to 15 (or more) feet?

Here's an example of an inexpensive sump pump:

Superior Pump 91014

Superior Pump 91250 1/4 hp utility pump

Thanks!

Jay Hemdal · Jan 29, 2021

A utility pump like that is going to be the best value for the height I think. A Danner Mag Drive 24 will pump 350 gph at 15' head, but I bet those cost $220 or so.

If you use the utility pump ONLY for moving bulk water, and you rinse it out prior and after use, I think it would be o.k. Just don't leave saltwater sitting in it!

Jay

codee · Jan 29, 2021

Jay Hemdal said:
If you use the utility pump ONLY for moving bulk water, and you rinse it out prior and after use, I think it would be o.k. Just don't leave saltwater sitting in it!

Yes, no problem rinsing it - mostly worried about bad stuff getting in the water via the pump. Thanks for the reply!

Jay Hemdal · Jan 29, 2021

codee said:
Yes, no problem rinsing it - mostly worried about bad stuff getting in the water via the pump. Thanks for the reply!

Short term use won't leech any metal into the water. I have had sump pump seals fail and then they release oil into the tank (not good). In those cases though, the pump seals failed because I was using the pump in FW 24/7 for a long period.

I use utility pumps all the time to fill up fish transport containers.

Jay

AZMSGT · Jan 29, 2021

Sicce makes a great utility pump for salt water.
Also I have used cheap Marineland powerheads connected to 3/4” hose.

Ultra Zero Utility Pump

The Sicce Ultra Zero is a multi-purpose utility pump, perfect for when you just need a sturdy pump to move water from one place to another, such as for pumping freshly mixed saltwater to your tank after a water change, or refilling reservoirs. The Ultra Zero has plenty of power to pump water...

www.marinedepot.com