Some equipment recommendations please

[gar732]

I'm finally setting up a sump (20L) for the 75g and need help picking out a return pump. Its for a mixed reef with a fair bit of sps. I have read that 20x turn over is what I want but not sure. I want it to feed the display and a small frag tank (24x16x8 just over 13g). I plan on upgrading to a 125 sometime in the future so I would like it to be big enough to handle that so that I could use the same pump. I was thinking maybe a mag 18?

Next I need an RO/DI unit and need some recommendations for one, I don't know too much about them.

I also need a new skimmer. I'm going to try to diy a bk mini clone like mojo's and troylee's. I'm having trouble cutting the 2.5in acrylic for the transition and if the diy skimmer doesn't work out then I'll need to pick up something else. I was looking at the avast diy cone and just wondering how these stack up against other comparable skimmers. My budget for the skimmer would be no more than $300 and again I also need it able to support a 125g. looking for the most bang for the buck.

Any help would be very much appreciated, Thanks

 

[luke33]

Gar, for a return pump a mag 18 is way to large for either a 75g or 125g. You should look for a pump that will do 4-10x's turnover. I do about 600gph through my sump on my 125g.

 

[swannyson7]

Gar, for a return pump a mag 18 is way to large for either a 75g or 125g. You should look for a pump that will do 4-10x's turnover. I do about 600gph through my sump on my 125g.

I disagree...
The Mag18 is rated at 1800 GPH, but assuming you're running at a 4' head with unions, fitting and that you split the return line with a tee to create two returns, your head pressure will cut it back to somewhere in the neighborhood of 1200 or less. By using that piece of PVC I gave you, the pump can be throttled back by opening on of the ball valves allowing the water to go back to the sump if necessary (make sure it's not splashing into the pump section because you'll get micro bubbles). You'll definitely have to throttle it back on the 75, but the 125 you may be able to run it full bore. I think if you went with the mag 12, it wouldn't be enough after the upgrade. Draw up a plan for what you want to use as far as couplings, ball valves, and plumbing parts and punch it into a head calculator. A google search will have plenty of results and I know RC has one on their home page.

 

[gar732]

Thanks for the replies guys, Keep em coming.

I guess it would be good to know to that I will be using a cpr cs102 overflow rated at 1200gph.

 

[skinz78]

I won't use a Mag pump again, they are energy hogs. I have used a Ehiem 1262 on my 75g and loved it. You want your flow to be between 600 and 1000 gph through your sump and no more.

As for skimmers you should look at the SWC150 BMK or this one will work for the 125 as well SWC Cone

I am not too sure who has the best RO/DI out there, I would look at Air Water and Ice.

 

[ronnie]

Match your return pump to what your skimmer outputs. This will give the best contact time for skimming.

20x is too much for the sump, IMO also. Most skimmers are going to be in the 500-1200gph range, so I'd stay in that range.

 

[gar732]

I won't use a Mag pump again, they are energy hogs. I have used a Ehiem 1262 on my 75g and loved it. You want your flow to be between 600 and 1000 gph through your sump and no more.

Good to know, thanks.

Match your return pump to what your skimmer outputs. This will give the best contact time for skimming. /QUOTE]

A good point, that makes sense.

 

[condor]

yeah most sized skimmers would run off a mag 7. so take head pressure into account and a mag 9.5 would do. but if you run it through a chiller and or a uv i would say mag 12. and if you go to a 125 id say a mag 18, and just put a ball valve on it for the 75

i have some used externals if your interested in going that route

pm me if you need anything as i have a basement full

 

[gar732]

Opinions on a atb flowstar 1500? They are efficient and from what I've read they are supposed to be good pumps. The pump would be feeding the 75g (125g in the near future), a small frag tank (13g), and a small fuge (5g). I was thinking if its too much flow I'll just get rid of one of my maxijets?

 

[condor]

dude!

 

[gar732]

dude!

I know, I want to explore all options before I make a move.

 

[condor]

pm me your needs for this pump...........

if you have a chiller i have externals that are small and crank gph and dont mind being valved back


:hell_boy:how about an iwaki 70=balls to the wall... hahahahahahaha

 

[gar732]

No chiller and no room for an external. I'd rather something thats more efficient but mostly just going back and forth about how much flow I need.

 

[condor]

:nerd:i have a chiller too:nerd:

 

[AZDesertRat]

Bleeding return flow back to the sump is very inefficient, a waste of power and a source of excess heat generation.
The Mag 18 is way way too big for your application plus not a good choice anyway. Look for something like an OceanRunner 2500 or 3500 or a Eheim 1260 or 1262, all are much more efficient, create less heat and are sized for both the present and future needs. 3 to 5x the display volume is a standard return flow.
If you need to reduce flow install a ball valve on the discharge and restrict the flow returning to the display. Centrifugal pumps only draw the power required to do the work at hand so often are more efficient this way. When you return it to the sump the pump is working harder since it is pumping more water even though you do not need it.

As for RO/DI units you will not find a better unit at a better price than the CSP-DI found here on sale for $100 off:
SpectraPure Customer Appreciation SALE! 20% - 50% off

It comes complete with everything you need including a TDS meter and pressure gauge.

 

[gar732]

If you need to reduce flow install a ball valve on the discharge and restrict the flow returning to the display.Centrifugal pumps only draw the power required to do the work at hand so often are more efficient this way. When you return it to the sump the pump is working harder since it is pumping more water even though you do not need it.

Interesting, I've been told that if you restrict the output on a pump it stresses the pump by making it work harder thus shortening its life span.

 

[AZDesertRat]

That is not true of centrifugal pumps, restricting the flow reduces the amount of water pumped which reduces the power requirements and heat generated often making them more efficient.

 

[iani]

I dislike Mag pumps as well for everything but mixing water. I like it for mixing my water change water because they produce so much heat that it can act as a heater as well.

A mag 18 is way to much for a 125 gallon tank like several mentioned before. I would also look into an eheim 1260 or 1262. In terms of skimmers for bang for the buck look at reef octopus cone skimmers.

 

[TopNotchCorals]

+1 on the Eheim but go with the 1262 I run the 1260 on my 50g cube and I dont think it would be enough for you. As far as quality and price they are the best I have come across,small,quite,and run cool.

 

[Reefwizard]

Quiet one pumps in the lower sizes are very energy efficient, I run 4000 on my return and it has been steady and no heat. Low watts as well which is plus, and the final thing that sold me was price. half of what Eheim was.
Also for Skimmer, if you dont build your own, go SWC, Luke will hook you up on those real well, and has experimented on them enough to give the most bang for your buck.