proper pump size for drilled tanks

[AJB]

I need a pump/powerhead that can handle about 3 feet (give or tank a few inches) of head preassure for 30 gallons of water (including sump). I want to be able to have moderate-high flow, no low flow stuff. ;D

I have 2 tens and a 5.5 I am drilling, plus a 5.5 for the sump. These tanks are the only ones in my house close enough to centralize, and I'm tired of the little junk power filters on them.

I have up to thirty dollars to spend, but..I'm poor, so the lower the better. :)

Also, the bulkheads are going to be 1". Should I use 1" for the tank to tank lines or go with 1 1/4"? Would PVC or flexible vinyl be better for this setup?

Thanks for all the help,
ajb

[ronrca]

Here is a link for specs of the RIO pumps:
http://www.graystonecreations.com/riotable.htm

I have the Rio 1700 which does really good and at not a bad price. What you need to figure out is what kind of filtration you need in your tank (gph).

Just a tip though! Wait a little and save a bit more! Then buy a bigger pump as you will regret not getting a bigger one right away! Talking from experience. I wish my 1700 was a 2400! ;D

[AJB]

Cool. So it looks like the 1400 would be a good choice. I want 300 to 400 GPH or so..nice water flow but gives me room to expand it when I figure out a way to get more tanks in that room. ;D

Hey Ron

I use the 3100 for water changes...NOW THAT one kicks *** ;D I love it...and so do the discus ;D

Tony

[AJB]

Ya, I"m sure it does kick.
;D

[Smokey]

AJB - do not forget the good old hagen 802 power head. At 3 feet they put out ~300gph.

I still use them , they just keep on tickin'.

Smokey

[AJB]

I ordered a Rio 1700 and got it today. Should work pretty good.
;D

[Smokey]

AJb.can you tell me a bit about the Rio 1700. Specs ? etc...

Sounds like a good pump.

[ronrca]

Same pump I have Smokey!

http://www.graystonecreations.com/riotable.htm

The only draw back is that I wish I would of bought the next size or 2 bigger! ;D LOL!

[Smokey]

Rio 1700 specifications. Watts - 23.0
Output gph / lph @ Feet Head height
0ft.- 642/2439
1ft.- 620/2356
2ft.- 486/1847
3ft.- 418/1588
4ft.- 352/1338
6ft.- 180/684
8ft.- 0/0

I see what you mean , Ron.

What is the cost of the Rio 1700, as apposed to the Rio 3100 model ?

[ronrca]

Rio 1700 - $29.99US
Rio 3100 - $49.99US


http://www.graystonecreations.com/acc.htm#pump

[AJB]

Try big als (http://www.bigalsonline.com). I got mine for 22 bucks and five or so on shipping.

Uber good deal, espically since at the LFS it is 60! :o

[daninthesand]

Anyone notice how much more the big Als Canadian website is compared to the Big Als US?

Example:

Rio 1700 water pump is $22.99 on the US site, whereas its CAD$ 74.99 on the Canadian website. At todays exchange rate (1.36) thats 55 US Dollars! More than double in price!

What's with that!?! >:(

Daniel

[ronrca]

I hear ya! >:( They have there set prices I guess that are not really dependant on the dollar value. They just make more more now! >:(

Aaa! Dont you love the internet! Its probably cheaper now to order it from the US than buy from Big Al's.

I just go to http://www.jlaquatics.com/ to buy pumps! They're in Vancouver first of all with good prices on their Mag's!

[NoBarDiscus]

If you guys go to reefcentral.com you will find that RIOs are the worst Powerhead currently in the market; but then again that is salt water and this is fresh water. Keep us posted.

[ronrca]

Really? Thats too bad! I guess you can say you get what you pay for! I have not had any problems yet with my Rio but mind you, the pump is only used for emptying the storage barrels once or twice a day. I have heard some people complain about them though. I would say for doing water changes, its a great pump. On a continuous basis, maybe not so good. ;)

[AJB]

<shrugs>
I'll use the one I bought until it explodes, melts down, stops, or similar.

;D