View Full Version : proper pump size for drilled tanks
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
06-12-2003, 04:42 PM
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
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
Ya, I"m sure it does kick.
;D
Smokey
06-13-2003, 12:14 PM
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
I ordered a Rio 1700 and got it today. Should work pretty good.
;D
Smokey
06-20-2003, 02:41 AM
AJb.can you tell me a bit about the Rio 1700. Specs ? etc...
Sounds like a good pump.
ronrca
06-20-2003, 10:32 AM
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
06-20-2003, 11:29 AM
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
06-20-2003, 12:08 PM
Rio 1700 - $29.99US
Rio 3100 - $49.99US
http://www.graystonecreations.com/acc.htm#pump
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
06-20-2003, 05:09 PM
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
06-20-2003, 05:18 PM
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
06-23-2003, 07:09 PM
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
06-24-2003, 10:49 AM
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. ;)
<shrugs>
I'll use the one I bought until it explodes, melts down, stops, or similar.
;D
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