Water change: Pump water from basement

[cymonous]

I have my water mixing station in the basement using an external pump. I plumbed it originally with a valve to threaded outlet to hookup a hose. I wanted to stay away from using metal, so I tried one of those expandable water hoses with plastic connectors like this http://www.sears.com/xhose-25ft-as-...n on Tv Inc&prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10

Only problem was, it has a water restriction at least at the inlet connector that slows the flow to a trickle.

So, I was wondering if anyone else had a solution to using my threaded connection from my plumbing? I would like to be able to remove the hose/tubing so I can drain it from saltwater when not in-use AND use that same threaded outlet if I just wanted to get a bucket or two of saltwater.

 

[Brew12]

I have my water mixing station in the basement using an external pump. I plumbed it originally with a valve to threaded outlet to hookup a hose. I wanted to stay away from using metal, so I tried one of those expandable water hoses with plastic connectors like this http://www.sears.com/xhose-25ft-as-seen-on-tv-expandable-water/p-SPM12318300019?plpSellerId=Seen on Tv Inc&prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10

Only problem was, it has a water restriction at least at the inlet connector that slows the flow to a trickle.

So, I was wondering if anyone else had a solution to using my threaded connection from my plumbing? I would like to be able to remove the hose/tubing so I can drain it from saltwater when not in-use AND use that same threaded outlet if I just wanted to get a bucket or two of saltwater.

Are you sure the restriction on the hose is the problem? I have a similar expandable hose and while it does have a restriction, it isn't anything that would restrict flow too much.

Do you have a basement sump on this system or are you using the external pump to pump water up out of the basement? If using it this way, are you sure your external pump can push the water at this height?

If the hose really is the problem, you could replace it with a regular garden water hose. Even if you can't find one without metal ends, you can cut the metal ends off and replace them with fittings like these.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gilmour-Poly-Hose-Repair-Male/1002897
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ray-Padu...Female-Thread-Hose-Repair-RP-RIFR-1/205170113

 

[TheEngineer]

are you sure your external pump can push the water at this height

That's my first thought too.

 

[cymonous]

It's a Blueline 40 HD-X. Before I even tried running the hose upstairs, I tested by just hooking up the hose and ran the other end back to my mixing container. The hose is not even expanding.

http://www.aquacave.com/blueline-40-hd-x-external-aquarium-water-pump-by-pan-world.html

 

[MaiReef]

I just did the same thing from the basement and use a RIO 2500 for a pump. It is a bit slow, but the head pressure is what makes it that way. I just use the clear flexible tubing at the top connected to PVC then a union so that it can be removed at any time.

 

[TheEngineer]

That pump has a maximum head of 13 feet. That means you can go up 13 feet, less any restrictions from fittings, and still get water flow. If you can't get any water out of it just a couple feet up, the problem isn't head height. Can you post a picture? Are you certain you don't have a valve restricting flow into the pump?

 

[cymonous]

Thanks for the idea Brew. I may try that idea using the link for the part at Home Depot as my outlet is threaded outside.

 

[Brew12]

It's a Blueline 40 HD-X. Before I even tried running the hose upstairs, I tested by just hooking up the hose and ran the other end back to my mixing container. The hose is not even expanding.

http://www.aquacave.com/blueline-40-hd-x-external-aquarium-water-pump-by-pan-world.html

Hate to say it, but that pump won't work. The problem is that it doesn't have enough discharge pressure to expand the hose. The X in the 40-HD-X is high flow low pressure. You can put a non expanding hose on it but you will still have minimal flow by the time you get the elevation change you need.

 

[MaiReef]

FYI, garden hoses usually have lead that you may not want in your tank.

 

[cymonous]

That pump has a maximum head of 13 feet. That means you can go up 13 feet, less any restrictions from fittings, and still get water flow. If you can't get any water out of it just a couple feet up, the problem isn't head height. Can you post a picture? Are you certain you don't have a valve restricting flow into the pump?

I don't have a pic on me at the moment. I can post one later. Attached is a quick paint pic of the setup. I obviously open the bottom valve, close the top and open the valve for the threaded outlet. No other valves.

 

[cymonous]

Hate to say it, but that pump won't work. The problem is that it doesn't have enough discharge pressure to expand the hose. The X in the 40-HD-X is high flow low pressure. You can put a non expanding hose on it but you will still have minimal flow by the time you get the elevation change you need.

Doh! That really sucks if this is the case. It's a used pump and I just replaced the inlet/outlet casing.

 

[Brew12]

Doh! That really sucks if this is the case. It's a used pump and I just replaced the inlet/outlet casing.

Sorry! Unfortunately, it really won't work for this application. That max 13ft head is a non starter for this project. Even in a perfect set up you would get zero flow at a 13ft elevation change.

 

[TheEngineer]

Hate to say it, but that pump won't work. The problem is that it doesn't have enough discharge pressure to expand the hose. The X in the 40-HD-X is high flow low pressure. You can put a non expanding hose on it but you will still have minimal flow by the time you get the elevation change you need.

790 gph should be plenty for a water change pump though, no? I don't see a graph with the flow vs head height on the linked page, so it might slow to a trickle.

 

[Brew12]

790 gph should be plenty for a water change pump though, no? I don't see a graph with the flow vs head height on the linked page, so it might slow to a trickle.

Here is the pump curve. You can see flow goes to 0gpm at 13ft

 

[TheEngineer]

Here is the pump curve. You can see flow goes to 0gpm at 13ft

And there it is The pressure to expand the hose probably adds a couple feet of head pressure alone. Gotta agree with @Brew12, not gonna work if you are going up a floor.

 

[cymonous]

Well, luckily the height from my pump to sump upstairs is only 9 feet. I attached a garden hose and ran it upstairs. it is a little slow, but not terrible. The pic was a test. I removed the ends of the hose and attached a plastic end on the hose after.

 

[Brew12]

Well, luckily the height from my pump to sump upstairs is only 9 feet. I attached a garden hose and ran it upstairs. it is a little slow, but not terrible. The pic was a test. I removed the ends of the hose and attached a plastic end on the hose after.

Fantastic! I'm glad it is going to work for you!

 

[MaiReef]

Glad it worked. Congrats! I know it made things a whole bunch easier for me.

 

[reefwiser]

For hoses on your aquarium I recommend the
Camco TastePURE 75' Drinking Water Hose, White

It complies with California's AB1953 and Vermont Act 192 Low Lead Laws so you can drink water from this hose with peace of mind. This heavy-duty water hose is BPA-free and is made of PVC. The strong, durable hose comes in three sizes to meet your specific needs.