Will mag 9.5 return over power 3/4" bulkhead for flow?

Tabasco1 · Mar 9, 2015

setting up tank that was a build that didn't happen from a couple years ago. In my original plan I had a mag 9.5 for a return on a 45g cube with 3/4" return. I'm wondering if that is not correct? Will a 9.5 return more water than my drain can handle?

I have the mag 9.5... but I also have a mag 5 that I can use instead. Will just have to adjust the height of the PVC to return. Wondering if that will be a better match.

TIA!

chris82079 · Mar 9, 2015

just put a ball valve on the return and dial it in

Tabasco1 · Mar 9, 2015

Would restricting flow affect the life of the pump?

I have a gate valve that I can plumb in, but was worried about restricting flow.

PaulKreider · Mar 9, 2015

Yes restricting the flow effects the pump, And I would use a gate valve rather than a ball valve if you went that way.

What type of overflow are you running now?

Tabasco1 · Mar 9, 2015

I"m running a durso stand pipe, 1" diameter pipe that reduces at the bottom to 3/4" bulkhead

AZDesertRat · Mar 9, 2015

Adding a ball or gate valve to the discharge side of the pump does not harm it. By doing so you are able to throttle or fine tune the flow of the pump to match your overflow ndin the process you cut the power consumption and heat generation by making the pump work less. I try to have around 5x my display volume for a return flow depending on the size of the sump. If the sump is large enough to handle the velocity and trap the microbubbles before they get returned to the display that is. If the sump is too small or the baffles are not laid out efficiently then you may want to go with a pump in between the two you now have, like the size of a Mag 7 but I don't care for Mag brand pumps due to their higher than normal power consumption, excessive heat generation and not so quiet operation. There are much more efficient pumps today.

Tabasco1 · Mar 9, 2015

Thanks AZ. Both pumps are good shape, when need to replace, I'll look for something else. I live in a cooler climate and we keep our house cool, extra heat prob not a bad thing. Sump is oversized for the tank, 40g breeder. From the charts provided by Mag the 5 would deliver about 430gph or close to 10x display volume. The 9.5 would deliver about 750 gph, almost 17x display volume. souns like I should go with the Mag 5?

AZDesertRat · Mar 9, 2015

You are probably figuring a little light on headloss at only 3'. By the time you add in line losses from fittings and bends you will be more like 4 to 5 feet of headloss. I think the Mag 5 will be on the weak side so the throttled 9.5 is the better choice between the two.

Tabasco1 · Mar 9, 2015

The way the tank sits it is a pretty direct trip up to the display. Only one small jog and that was handled with 2 45 angles. I'll still give a go to the 9.5 with a gate.

Thanks all!

Djturna4thakidz · Mar 9, 2015

I second the 9.5. I had the same issue and went with the smaller option. Bad choice. Go big and dial back.

Eckolancer · Mar 9, 2015

Add a T with a gate valve or ball valve. One end of the T pumps some water back into the sump.

Eckolancer · Mar 9, 2015

Look at pic

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1425942961.185616.jpg

GreatWhiteTang · Mar 9, 2015

Yes it will overpower.. Use a gate or true Union ball valve and no thus will not effective the pump.. It will act the same as adding head space to the pump, as long as you do not cut it down enough to exceed the maximum head recommendations of the pump then u won't have a problem, you can also t off the line before the gate/ball valve and run excess water back into sump somewhere to relive any pressure if you are worried I run a 9.5 at about 550hph through a 1 inch bulkhead, I would say get a mag5 and still use a valve.

DFW · Mar 9, 2015

I run a mag 3 return pump at 5 feet of head. I don't want a lot of flow through the sump, and I use wavemakers for in the tank circulation.

AZDesertRat · Mar 10, 2015

Do not add a tee and valve to return water to the sump. This is very inefficent,uses more power and creates more heat and noise. The pump actually has to work harder since it isnow pumping not only the water up to the display but also the water being wasted. When you add the valve inline onthe discgharge you add additional head to the pump, reducing he flow and the work required of the pump so is much more efficient.