Pump question for big Venturi skimmer

[Ann Enomy]

In my new build (250g total volume, 24x72 DT with no canopy) I had jeff from Lifereef build me a custom sump, refugium and 40" tall skimmer and he is recommending a Danner Mag drive 18 (145w,495 BTU/hr) or 24 (265w,904BTU/hr) to drive the skimmer. My concern is the level of heat in the system if I use that pump. I already have a Neptune Cor-20, Sicce 6 and 7 running dual returns, refugiums and Reactors. According to AI that = 195W or 660 BTU/hr already in the system. For anyone who has experience, would that large of an AC pump cook my fish? For the skimmer, I need that high head pressure but also have already dropped a ton on this tank and am looking for an affordable pump (<$350) like the mag drive pump. If the heat should be of no concern in a climate controlled office I have no problem with the mag drive but if it is an issue what about some of the Chinese DC pumps? I understand may only get 2 years vs 5 years on that pump but I'm running out of cash now. I appreciate any suggestions.

 

[BryanM]

If the office is climate controlled 24x7 I don't think I'd worry, but I know our offices are climate controlled from like 7am-6pm, and then they still are, but at a much wider temp since people really shouldn't be in there at those times.

Otherwise have you expressed your concerns to the person who built it? Maybe he has a suggestion.

 

[redfishbluefish]

You should be OK. I ran both a MAG 9 and a MAG 24 on my 90 gallon DT (approximately 110 gallon total volume. The MAG 24 was for an MRC skimmer. I never had a problem with over heating. I'm sure my heaters rarely came on, but never too hot....FYI, 78F was my target temp.

 

[Ann Enomy]

OK, Glad to know it won't be too hot. Still considering a big Jebao pump though, as it's 1/3 of the cost and it's on a skimmer, not on something crucial for life support.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm not familiar with venturi skimmers but believe they operate similar to my MRC...which was a Beckett skimmer....both based on the Bernoulli principal. The bigger the pump the better they work. My MRC's (I had two) were the most efficient skimmers I've ever owned but what turned me off was the noise and the energy consumption of the pump. If I were you I"d be looking at the large Jebao 12000 (3170 gph) because they are adjustable and you could always turn it down if it was too much. The MAG 24 is rated at 2400 gph.

 

[UncommonSense]

I’m also wondering if this is a suitable application for two smaller pumps in series; one pump outlet feeding the second pump’s inlet…

You essentially double max head height, without increasing max GPH… this would be best done with two identical submersible pumps!

 

[areefer01]

OK, Glad to know it won't be too hot. Still considering a big Jebao pump though, as it's 1/3 of the cost and it's on a skimmer, not on something crucial for life support.

Well one could argue that a skimmer plays a vital role. Some systems do not run them but they more than likely designed it so it is not "as" required. Some run them alternate days or on a schedule of some sort.

Having said that if you spoke to Jeff I am pretty sure he gave you options on pumps to use or why he recommends one over the other. He does prefer AC pumps probably due to a more consistent pressure for the venturi. Plus they have a proven record.

If you want to run a Jebao then do so. Jeff isn't going to care. I admit that I'm a bit odd hobbyist out here in that some things I will gladly take more out of my reef budget for critical components. The skimmer to me is critical. Besides if it is taken care of it will last the duration of the tank plus and upgrade. I am still running the one I bought from Jeff in 2000.

 

[Ann Enomy]

I'm not familiar with venturi skimmers but believe they operate similar to my MRC...which was a Beckett skimmer....both based on the Bernoulli principal. The bigger the pump the better they work. My MRC's (I had two) were the most efficient skimmers I've ever owned but what turned me off was the noise and the energy consumption of the pump. If I were you I"d be looking at the large Jebao 12000 (3170 gph) because they are adjustable and you could always turn it down if it was too much. The MAG 24 is rated at 2400 gph.

you are correct, Same principle but the venturi may be a bit less noisy. The builder said I could go up to 5000gph so I'm going to go with the Jebao 20000. Can always slow it down.

 

[Ann Enomy]

Well one could argue that a skimmer plays a vital role. Some systems do not run them but they more than likely designed it so it is not "as" required. Some run them alternate days or on a schedule of some sort.

Having said that if you spoke to Jeff I am pretty sure he gave you options on pumps to use or why he recommends one over the other. He does prefer AC pumps probably due to a more consistent pressure for the venturi. Plus they have a proven record.

If you want to run a Jebao then do so. Jeff isn't going to care. I admit that I'm a bit odd hobbyist out here in that some things I will gladly take more out of my reef budget for critical components. The skimmer to me is critical. Besides if it is taken care of it will last the duration of the tank plus and upgrade. I am still running the one I bought from Jeff in 2000.

Jeff is awesome. He has spent a long time answering many questions and has really built a system that is future proof. His preference is AC for sure but did say I could use whatever I wanted to try. Like I said before though I am worried about the heat with 3 other pumps already in the water.