Non-Typical Setup

[calicokitty2000]

Hello, I am new here, so please forgive my ignorance. I want to setup a small (20-30 gallon) saltwater tank for my son to observe sea creatures that he collects. We live on a canal with access to ocean water. I would like to setup a continuous flow from the canal to the tank and overflow back. We would not be keeping fish for any length of time, would just observe and let go. He is interested in marine biology. I can’t figure out what kind of pump would be able to pump from the canal, it seems most pumps don’t draw water any distance, just push water. The total lift would be around 10 ft at most, and the total horizontal distance might be 20 ft. I would be very grateful for any suggestions! I also look forward to reading other posts about keeping salt water fish.

 

[Softhammer]

Mag drive pond pump. A big one.

 

[calicokitty2000]

Thank you, I’ve been looking at these and just not understanding the installation in this case. Would I have to put the pump submerged in the canal, or can it draw water from a distance? Ideally I think I would put the pump under the aquarium where it draws water from the canal and feeds it up to the aquarium.

 

[terraincognita]

Thank you, I’ve been looking at these and just not understanding the installation in this case. Would I have to put the pump submerged in the canal, or can it draw water from a distance? Ideally I think I would put the pump under the aquarium where it draws water from the canal and feeds it up to the aquarium.

You'll definitely need a large type of DC pump.

Some are only sumbersible, most can work in/out of water. The specs should be provided with each pump.

How far is the distance from the canal to where your tank is?

If possible I'd recommend the plumbing to have a short hike straight up as possible, and then a 110 angle to the house to allow for easier and more assured delivery of water.

 

[calicokitty2000]

I would want to pull water from a few feet from under the surface so that the temperature is more consistent and the water is cleaner.

So the water will need to travel up 5 ft from the canal to the dock, across 6 ft, up another 2 ft on the sea wall, across about 10 ft and then up however high I place the aquarium so say another 4 ft.

I think I can then use an overflow box to then direct water back out.

You'll definitely need a large type of DC pump.

Some are only sumbersible, most can work in/out of water. The specs should be provided with each pump.

How far is the distance from the canal to where your tank is?

If possible I'd recommend the plumbing to have a short hike straight up as possible, and then a 110 angle to the house to allow for easier and more assured delivery of water.

 

[Softhammer]

No pump on earth that isn’t gasoline powered or a pool pump can draw water that far. Get a 2500gph mag drive pond pump with a strainer. they come with fittings that will connect to a garden hose. The will have to be submerged in the canal and run the hose anyway you like. I recommend the pond pumps because they have a 25 ft cord. Regular mag drives only have a short one. These pumps are designed for that type of application. A DC pump would be prohibitively expensive and can not withstand outdoor usage, the power supplies and controllers will fry. A mag 2500 or similar sounds huge but with that kind of head pressure plus distance means you’ll probably only achieve 500-800 gph at the tank. If it’s too much still you can dial it down on the output side with a ball or gate valve. You can also cut the fittings off the garden hose if you’re worried about corrosion. I personally wouldn’t bother. I’d also opt for an overflow style drilled tank with an adequate drainage capacity. you need something that can handle mor flow than you anticipate as you drawing in unlimited water. If any kind of overflow clogs or restricts your house is toast. Most tank failures limit the damage to tank and sump capacity. One oopsie and you could have millions of gallons spilling in your house. Also unless you bury you hoses temperature is going to be an issue as well. If it were me id get a cheap setup like a 40 breeder and have a hang on back skimmer and or filter. Scooping buckets out of the canal for a water change will be a far less risky proposition. Unless your going to use it for greenies or shrimp as a bait tank as well.

 

[SteveG_inDC]

Pump goes in the canal and pushes. There are plenty of submersible pumps that will work, anything rated for head pressure that you can easily calculate. Good luck. SOunds like a cool project.

 

[calicokitty2000]

No pump on earth that isn’t gasoline powered or a pool pump can draw water that far. Get a 2500gph mag drive pond pump with a strainer. they come with fittings that will connect to a garden hose. The will have to be submerged in the canal and run the hose anyway you like. I recommend the pond pumps because they have a 25 ft cord. Regular mag drives only have a short one. These pumps are designed for that type of application. A DC pump would be prohibitively expensive and can not withstand outdoor usage, the power supplies and controllers will fry. A mag 2500 or similar sounds huge but with that kind of head pressure plus distance means you’ll probably only achieve 500-800 gph at the tank. If it’s too much still you can dial it down on the output side with a ball or gate valve. You can also cut the fittings off the garden hose if you’re worried about corrosion. I personally wouldn’t bother. I’d also opt for an overflow style drilled tank with an adequate drainage capacity. you need something that can handle mor flow than you anticipate as you drawing in unlimited water. If any kind of overflow clogs or restricts your house is toast. Most tank failures limit the damage to tank and sump capacity. One oopsie and you could have millions of gallons spilling in your house. Also unless you bury you hoses temperature is going to be an issue as well. If it were me id get a cheap setup like a 40 breeder and have a hang on back skimmer and or filter. Scooping buckets out of the canal for a water change will be a far less risky proposition. Unless your going to use it for greenies or shrimp as a bait tank as well.

Thank you, very helpful! The tank will be outside and not even in operation all the time. So in case of failure, not a huge deal. I’ll fill it when we are using it and then drain it when we aren’t. I have been bucketing water so far in. 20 gallon tank, but the temperature fluctuates so much, I thought a continued flow might keep the temperature more consistent. I am looking at the 40 gallon breeder tank, I like the size.

 

[Softhammer]

That sounds like a solid plan then!

 

[Montiman]

What most people use for systems like this are self priming pumps like the ones from lifegard and pentair these are large pumps that often need to be hard wired.

The lifegard seahorse pumps may be a good option. They can self prime with the pump out of the water and then deliver a good amount of flow. Unfortunately I believe they no longer make these with a saltwater resistant shaft seal. I would call lifegard to confirm.

 

[calicokitty2000]

Thank you! I am in the process of building a stand and getting the rest of the supplies. This really is a fun family project. I’ll post a pic when I’m done.