Howto: 0-10v Control Return Pump

[Lasse]

Here is the diagrams for the DCA smart pumps

But is not only the head that is intressent, also the size of pipes, pipe length. pipe bends (type of - sharp bend or soft bend), connections and valves

Can you comeback with a sketch how the pipe system from pump to outlet looks like. Can you change the pressure pipe to around 1 1/4 ? Normally for these low pressure´pumps - the diameter off return make a huge differences. You have one overflow - it means that it is very difficult to avoid air in the overflow pipe, hence it will be limited flow.

I have a DCA 4000 return pump and 1 1/4 retur pipe system with 4 sharp 90 degrees bends, one 45 degree bend and one valve. With a program I have - i have calculate the max flow in this system to be around 2000 L/hour. With 6000 - I get aroun 3000 L/h. At the moment I run my pump on 50% - it is 1200 L/h - the aquarium is 310 L

With your 3/4 it will be around 1700 l/h with a 4000 - - a stronger pump will give you to fast flow in the pipes - IMO.

This is only calculations between the index finger and the thumb - but they are not guessed

Sincerely Lasse

 

[sylvius]

That’s very helpful, thank you. My return is very simple, about 1.35 m from the sump straight up a 3/4” line (short section of silicone tube for vibration isolation then to PVC) through a glued 3/4” bulkhead with on 90 degree elbow at the top to a 15 cm piece of 3/4” loc-line. Right now I have a Sicce Syncra SDC 6.0 at 100%. My guess is it’s close to 2000L/hr (and should have a flow meter hopefully next week to be able to measure it) and theoretical limit for the single 1” overflow is about 2200L/hr. The bulkhead is limited to 3/4” and I’d really prefer to avoid an external return line. I wonder if fluid dynamics are such that I would get better performance upsizing the pump on both sides of the bulkhead and just having a short constriction.

 

[HuneyBear]

There are multiple ways to convert 0-10v cables to work with ghl. Since most are setup to run with apex they have rj45 ends. Ghl uses rj12.
Ghl recommends you cut the ends off and use their S-port L-port box.

each side of it can run 2 different controls. Switch 1 would use terminal 2+ and terminal 3 Gnd. Switch 2 would use terminal 5+ and terminal 3 Gnd.
this is also possible using a simple breakout as well such as this

If you are comfortable wiringyou can also go about it by not cutting the apex compatible cable by making a converter like I made.

the apex cables use separate grounds through the cable and can be combined in the conversion.

take above and convert to the Ghl below and you have the ability to run apex compatible anything 0-10v without cutting plugs off. I have made a few of these.

the hardest part to source is really the rj12 keystone terminal. I’ve found that Home Depot carry’s them in store.

 

[Lasse]

Connecting the new Coral Box DCA smart pumps to Profilux 1-10 V

Coral Box brand have released a line of return pumps as Coral Box DCA smart pumps. The line include pumps from 4000 l/h to 12 000 l/h. This pumps have a new controller that can directly be connected to an APEX computer with a separate cable - allowing 2 pumps be managing. I have test this...

www.reef2reef.com

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Tristren]

I have several Tunze pumps that spend a fair bit of time off using 0-10v control. They are plugged into to a regular power bar.

Tony