Pumps and water movement

[hamdogg08]

I drilled my 20 gallon today, and will be setting up an overflow. In order to know how big of an overflow I'll need, I'll need to know how much water to move through the system.

I'm going to plumb the returns over the back of the tank. Is there anything other than PVC that I should be using??

What kind of pump should I look for? I saw that Azoo powerheads are only 26 dollars at foster/smith for a 660gph unit. As far as I know, pumps are pumps, right?? I thought that one of those would make up for the head loss and give me pretty good flow.

If someone has a good suggestion please feel free...

[oyam123]

look for a used mag7.
$29 pump from F&S = $45 after shipping

[David Grigor]

So much for the 10g huh...... If this were my tank, I'd be targeting a pump that will give you about 300gph. Eheim 1250 is a good choice, excellent quality, quiet and will far outlive anything made by Azoo. If going for the budget a mj1200 should be fine and durable to be used as a return 1/2" tubing fits on there fine. If you really want 600gph, I'd step up to two overflows to be safe or use a 1.5" to reduce the likelyhood of a clog or partial clog. Also important to remember if this is going to be in the same room as your sleeping, it may be challenged to keep this little tank quiet with 600gph flowing through a single overflow.

You can make a return from pvc elbow if you want or can buy one for like $6.00 that is black, molded with a nozzle on the end ready to go. For sure mailorder, but may find one from a LFS who sell parts for canister filters etc. I stole mine for Bj's little 29g from an old Mag filter. Whatever you use, be sure to drill the hole to break siphon in case of power outage.

[hamdogg08]

So much for the 10g huh......

Yeah, I figured that a 20 would be better than a 10 since there would be more water volume. I measured the stand that I was going to use to find that its the perfect size for a 20H and figured why not! In addition to the sale at petco I HAD to go 20g.

If going for the budget a mj1200 should be fine and durable to be used as a return 1/2" tubing fits on there fine...You can make a return from pvc elbow if you want or can buy one for like $6.00 that is black, molded with a nozzle on the end ready to go.

Where would I find these?? Who makes an mj1200?? Would there be any way to have loclines on the returns when going over the back?

[David Grigor]

Maxi-jet. the Drs. routinely puts them on sale about $17.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4609&Ntt=maxi%20jet&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

They are the most durable ( can run days dry and still fire up everytime ), versatile powerheads around. Can't beat'em. Be sure to use plastic clamps on whatever you choose so it doesn't come loose when your not around. Ask Derek/Epedemic for his misfortune.....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=8999&Ntt=plumbing&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

If your thinking loclines, might as well just buy this all in one as the locline parts will likely cost your more anyways.......

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14680&Ntt=plumbing&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

[hamdogg08]

Maxi-jet. the Drs. routinely puts them on sale about $17.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4609&Ntt=maxi%20jet&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

They are the most durable ( can run days dry and still fire up everytime ), versatile powerheads around. Can't beat'em. Be sure to use plastic clamps on whatever you choose so it doesn't come loose when your not around. Ask Derek/Epedemic for his misfortune.....


So should I go with 2 600's or 1 1200?

[David Grigor]

1200s are the only ones that can really pump any water. The other models really only good for circulation. But if you need in tank circulation and not going with a stream or other propeller driven then you could certainly use a couple 600s for that purpose. I tried a nano stream in the 29g and is was a big much for the corals I was keeping so I went back the Maxi jets.

[hamdogg08]

I'll order a maxi from the Drs. When I get some more money then.

Would I want to attach loclines to that u tube, or don't I need that much control of water flow?

[David Grigor]

The u-tube I pictured already has the locline on it. Remember, 300gph - head loss isn't that much flow. Trying to do more than one nozzle you won't really be able to feel much velocity coming out. You will want additional circulation in the tank with other powerheads and that will provide all the control you want/need.

[hamdogg08]

The u-tube I pictured already has the locline on it. Remember, 300gph - head loss isn't that much flow. Trying to do more than one nozzle you won't really be able to feel much velocity coming out. You will want additional circulation in the tank with other powerheads and that will provide all the control you want/need.

So what would you suggest for circulation. So far it's the maxijet with two u-tubes. Then what else would I use for circulation?

[David Grigor]

1 U tube is all needed. The MJ1200 as a return will not provide enough velocity for more than one to be of any good. If you want two then you will have to go for a higher flow more expensive pump. Mag 5 or Mag 7 possibly but again the more flow the more noice in your room as more heat. Best to keep as much circulation in tank as possible.

[hamdogg08]

So should I just pick up another maxijet and use it as an in tank powerhead?