What pump/powerhead for 100g mixing container?

[Mike N]

I am looking for a pump or powerhead to place at the bottom of my 100 gallon mixing container.
I was thinking about putting a couple cheapo 1300 powerheads at the bottom.
Would a pump do a better job on such a large container? If so, please recommend one suited for the task.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I am looking for a pump or powerhead to place at the bottom of my 100 gallon mixing container.
I was thinking about putting a couple cheapo 1300 powerheads at the bottom.
Would a pump do a better job on such a large container? If so, please recommend one suited for the task.

The powerheads would probably work pretty well. I use the old stock 250 or so gph pump from my IM Nano 20 but I also mix saltwater in a 5 gallon bucket.

 

[mcarroll]

A pump at the bottom of a barrel is a fairly cruddy way to mix.

Air stones are the only thing I tested that was worse at mixing than a pump at the bottom of the barrel.

You either have to fix the pump at the top of the barrel or somewhere you can aim it at the bottom or you should just use a mixing paddle like I do now. A mixing paddle is as fast as the best-placed pump.

Here's the best of both worlds on video for proof.




4:56
Mixing saltwater, post-electrification!

273 views3 years ago

For those interested, that's a Seio 1000 propellor-based pump. Mixing 20 oz. (volume) of salt mix with 5 gallons of RO/DI water to get 1.025 s.g. artificial seawater.






5:07
Mixing saltwater, Neanderthal-style!

337 views3 years ago

For anyone interested, that's a 36" Tamco HDPE mixing paddle. Mixing 20 oz. (volume) of salt mix with 5 gallons of RO/DI water to get 1.025 s.g. artificial seawater.

 

[Mike N]

Thanks for the replies. I wouldn't be able to fix a pump to the top as im not using a bucket. The paddle method may work, but it would be a lot of work on a 100g container lol
Would a couple 1300gph powerheads at the bottom, pointed upwards, be sufficient to mix?

I was thinking a pump would be nice because I could put a length of vertical pipe on the discharge and that waterfall action would help with the mixing.

Just for reference, here is my water station:

 

[mcarroll]

I wouldn't be able to fix a pump to the top as im not using a bucket. The paddle method may work, but it would be a lot of work on a 100g container lol

Using the big pump in the picture and modifying the over-the-top plumbing a little would be better than pumps on the bottom.

And if you use your imagination it's not too hard to fix a pump to the top or the side. Many pumps have magnetic mounts, for example. Maybe float the pump under a piece of styrofoam. I've tried lots of ways....the way in the video is just what worked best out of what I had on hand. Maybe suspend some sort of anchor like a thin sheet of acrylic from the rim of the tank.

Those narrow openings might complicate the paddle, but it's VERY CHEAP so I think I'd still try.

 

[Mike N]

Using the big pump in the picture and modifying the over-the-top plumbing a little would be better than pumps on the bottom.

And if you use your imagination it's not too hard to fix a pump to the top or the side. Many pumps have magnetic mounts, for example. Maybe float the pump under a piece of styrofoam. I've tried lots of ways....the way in the video is just what worked best out of what I had on hand. Maybe suspend some sort of anchor like a thin sheet of acrylic from the rim of the tank.

Those narrow openings might complicate the paddle, but it's VERY CHEAP so I think I'd still try.

Good ideas. Definitely something i'll consider.
As well as the small openings, there is not much room above the tanks, so I'm really not leaning towards the paddle method. The cheap part doesn't sway me much as its the boss' money

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[mcarroll]

What are the approximate dimensions on those containers? And what's the plumbing on that big pump look like inside the container?

 

[Mike N]

What are the approximate dimensions on those containers? And what's the plumbing on that big pump look like inside the container?

Link for those tanks here.
Ill try to snap a pic of the interior plumbing when I get back from lunch.

 

[Mike N]

And what's the plumbing on that big pump look like inside the container?

Plumbing terminates right inside the tank, no internal piping.

 

[mcarroll]

Make a non-permanent extension to that plumbing that will deliver the water about 2/3 of the way to the bottom (or more). Something very simple: 1 coupling, 1 piece of PVC and 1 angle fitting for the outlet....either a 45º or 22º elbow.

The whole thing should be fine just dry-fit (don't glue it) so you can remove it for cleaning or change it if you don't like it, etc.

The angle fitting is optional....a straight extension down may be all you need. Experiment – you may have some better ideas!

 

[Mike N]

Make a non-permanent extension to that plumbing that will deliver the water about 2/3 of the way to the bottom (or more). Something very simple: 1 coupling, 1 piece of PVC and 1 angle fitting for the outlet....either a 45º or 22º elbow.

The whole thing should be fine just dry-fit (don't glue it) so you can remove it for cleaning or change it if you don't like it, etc.

The angle fitting is optional....a straight extension down may be all you need. Experiment – you may have some better ideas!

I like that idea, thanks!