Pumping water to tank

[RedScorpion21]

I just bought a new 75 gal. tank and a 20 gal tank to go underneath it for water storage. I was thinking about buying a pond pump to pump the aged water from the 20 to the 75, but I have no experience at all with pumps, so I was wondering if you guys have some recommendations on to which brand I should buy and what size. (From the 20 gal. to the 75 it is about 4 feet)

ALso, I remember reading in another thread that Carol talked about getting inexpensive ones at WallMart, but if you have any other places where they are not expensive, I would appreciate it!:antlers:


Thanks

[Cosmo]

Hey Red,

Don't know about the WalMart ones, but a Quiet One 1200 would probably do it with it's 6 foot head, but it won't be real strong.

A submersible would probably be the most convenient, but you'll be unable to pump the last couple inches out of the bottom of the tank since it'll start sucking air before the 20gal is empty. You could use an inline pump and fashion a syphon tube with PVC that ends just barely above the bottom of the tank, but this can be a pain as well unless you put a ball valve between the syphon and the pump - that way you only have to start the syphon once unless you let it suck air during a change.

Fortunately, many pumps can be used either way so you can work it out as you go ..

http://www.drsfostersmith.com gives you the head height of most of the available pumps so it makes a great reference. They may not have the best prices though, so shop around before you buy..

Jim

PS. Also pay attention to the input and output size, as well as the type fitting you'll need to attach your hoses :)

[Greg Richardson]

Have you thought about a water barrel instead?

If you have problems and need to do larger wc 20 gallons isn't going to be enough.
I use heavy duty Rubbermaid Garbage cans and pump from them to tanks.

You might try Home Depot for a pump I've heard that place mentioned.

Or look around at these online places...........

http://www.bigalsonline.com/?splash_done=1
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Shop.cfm?N=2004
http://petsolutions.com/category.asp_Q_c_E_1_A_fish_E_
http://www.jehmco.com/index.html
http://www.thatpetplace.com/MainPro/IndexFish.aspx
http://www.all-glass.com/index.shtml
http://www.kensfish.com/

[Cosmo]

I had the same thought as Greg - the 20gal won't give you much of a water change. I used to use Rubbermaid cans too - but get the Brute heavy duty kind as they last longer. Would think a 32 or 44 gal would be more appropriate with a 75 gal tank.

You should also put an airstone and a heater in the barrel to age and warm the water.. If you set the barrel up off the ground, you need a less powerful pump to move the water (less head height)..

Jim

[Alight]

Do a search on "Pump" on this site. There was a great thread on this several months ago, with a bunch of information and places to buy all kinds of pumps.

[RedScorpion21]

Thanks for your replies. Right now i think i'll start looking into some of those options:bandana:

[korbi_doc]

:D Hi, I'm with Greg & Jim, you need a larger reservoir. I've been using 3 32g RM tubs to get larger water changes for a 90g & 125g; there is a pic of the setup on the forum. The only caution is these tubs do not stand alone very well, so in my setup they lean against the tank tables & have been no problem in 3 yrs. The pump is a ViaAqua 3600, also have a Danner mag 7 pump, both work well.... HTH, Dottie:)

[gators111]

I have one from Home Depot and it works pretty good. I got the middle sized pump. If I were to get another one, get the large pump they have. I think it is a 7ft head pressure.

[Greg Richardson]

Dottie. Do you have the ones on wheels?

I've noticed a few having problems with those as far as stability.

My rubbermaids have no wheels and I've very satisfied with them for stability.

I do think though trying to convince the wife I need another one in the master bedroom won't work though.

Have two already. LOL!

[ronrca]

The only caution is these tubs do not stand alone very well, Why dont know stand alone? Is it because they bow out when fill with water? What I do is screw the lid on so the lid helps hold the sides from bowing out. HTH

[RedScorpion21]

My plan is to buy this water pump http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=27377;category_id=3867;pcid 1=2181;pcid2=

It is the quiet one 1200 that Jim recommended and the price is good too.

I'd only use it for pumping water to the tank, but is there any other accessories that I need to buy for it like pvc pipe or tubing?

[RedScorpion21]

bump

[Greg Richardson]

Red. That is a great deal. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
Bought mine at walmart. Big Al's beats it. I'd buy the next one up and still be ahead $$$ from Walmart.

If u plan on using Big Al's for most of your purchases wait until mid day Tuesday and that's when their points thing starts.
Spend so much they reward you when you get so many points.
I just need to make sure the wife doesn't know why I got something for free. Free? Ya right. LOL!