Dolphin Return Pump for a large tank

[Stunna]

I am in the process of acquiring a large tank (600g). It has quad overflows/returns and I would like 10-15x turnover. The tank will be on the main level (in the garage actually) and the sump and all filtration in the basement. I'm looking at the Dolphin Super Aqua Sea with approximately 20' of head height (height from the basement + plumbing) I come up with roughly 9600 GPH. That is over my 10-15x, but I am also omitting the sump volume.

Has anyone owned Dolphin products? Their warranty is quite stellar, just looking for real world feedback before I drop the money.

 

[shakinghorizons]

That's going to be a huge tank!!! Following along for the build thread!

 

[mcarroll]

@Russ265 you?

I've used a AmpMaster 6250...definitely hard core.

4x-5x flow is usually plenty....why so much for this system? (Forget the sump volume, IMO.)

Is it really 20' down to your basement???? That's far enough to be a sub-basement in most homes! ;)

3,000 GPH should be plenty for return flow – less would even do fine.

At 16' of head, that should deliver over 3,000 GPH.

 

[Russ265]

6250 would be plenty imo.

and it is built like a tank.

 

[Overboard]

Ran a Dolphin for years. Solid pump and relatively quiet for a pump it's size.

Good luck!
Mark

 

[Stunna]

@Russ265 you?

I've used a AmpMaster 6250...definitely hard core.

4x-5x flow is usually plenty....why so much for this system? (Forget the sump volume, IMO.)

Is it really 20' down to your basement???? That's far enough to be a sub-basement in most homes! ;)

3,000 GPH should be plenty for return flow – less would even do fine.

At 16' of head, that should deliver over 3,000 GPH.

10' ceilings along with plumbing and another 5' to the tank, so yes.

 

[Stunna]

Ran a Dolphin for years. Solid pump and relatively quiet for a pump it's size.

Good luck!
Mark

Thanks!

 

[mcarroll]

10' ceilings along with plumbing and another 5' to the tank, so yes.

You're not lifting the water from the floor, though - you're lifting it from the sump water line.

And hopefully the sump itself won't even be on the floor, right?

Having it at least a couple feet up in the air where it's easy to work on is usually half of the benefit of a basement sump. :)

That usually makes it more like 10'-12' for the return....rarely more than 15' unless you have a pretty unusual situation like a piece of house to route around.

And keep in mind that vertical lift and pipe diameter probably have more effect than most other factors. I wouldn't use anything less than 1.5" or 2" plumbing for the return, depending on the flow rate you're looking for. 3/4" and 1" are very limiting in most cases. Using as few 90º fittings as possible is the other main strategy to minimize friction losses.

Using long-radius 90º's or a pair of 45º's is a better option when a turn is needed.

Here's my main favorite friction loss calculator:
http://www.freecalc.com/fricfram.htm

Add the results to your actual vertical lift height.

Just some thoughts.

2¢

 

[Stunna]

Ended up getting a Reeflo Barracuda/Hammerhead hybrid for a steal - hopefully it's enough!

 

[mcarroll]

Also a great pump, I just think a bit less bulletproof than the Dolphins you typically see. (Read about seal leackage on page #1 and #2 of the manual. Give the shaft and seals a flashlight inspection once every couple months.)

Don't forget to have a backup plan for when your return fails....that goes for any brand. Having a full-on spare to use while you return the "main" pump for servicing (or wait for parts shipping) is the best option.....but make sure you have something.

Here are my only two questions:

1. What's the difference between a Barracuda and a Hammerhead – does every one of their pumps need two names??
2. And whatever that explanation is, why isn't it on their website???

:D

 

[Russ265]

Ended up getting a Reeflo Barracuda/Hammerhead hybrid for a steal - hopefully it's enough!

seals usually go out with this pump. it is also insanely loud.
it should do the job though.

 

[Stunna]

Decided to spend some more money and pick up a Dolphin Super Aqua Sea to either use as a backup or main.

 

[fish head]

I have a perfect pump
Wave II 1/2 HP brand new in a box paid $670 sell it for $450 plus shipping
Plus I have two used ones also for $300 a couple of years old plus shipping great great pumps they use them a lot of kio ponds

 

[Stunna]

I have a perfect pump
Wave II 1/2 HP brand new in a box paid $670 sell it for $450 plus shipping
Plus I have two used ones also for $300 a couple of years old plus shipping great great pumps they use them a lot of kio ponds

I have 3 pumps spec'd to be used with saltwater that move more water, use less power, and were cheaper.

Thanks though!

 

[Tom Blevins]

Ran a dolphin for years with great success, the only down fall was how loud the sump was
with the return water, it sound's like a water fall so I switched to a less GPH Return and more
powerheads in the tank.

 

[Stunna]

Sump and all filtration will have its own room in the basement, so not too worried about noise.

 

[tj w]

Stunna have you started a build thread yet? I'd love to see some pics of that set up. Good luck btw!

 

[Stunna]

Stunna have you started a build thread yet? I'd love to see some pics of that set up. Good luck btw!

The build was cancelled unfortunately due to issues with the home-builder.

 

[mcarroll]

:(