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Thread: Pumps

  1. #1

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    Nov 2010
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    Unhappy Pumps

    Is a bigger return pump necessarily better than a smaller one?
    Also, if you cut the slot too wide in the pvc, will it still work? Wide as in the 1/8 inch part. My pipe cutting skills are subpar and made the slot a bit too large.

  2. #2
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    Re: Pumps

    As long as the screen is full of flow, that is all that matters, as far as filtering goes. This of course has nothing to do with flow in the display, which is dictated by the corals.

    As over-wide slot will fill-in by itself with growth, which will slow the flow. So it might even out. Otherwise, you can pancake another layer of screen in that spot to fill up the slot.

  3. #3

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    May 2010
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    Re: Pumps

    if you use a pump that has more flow then what you 'need' the extra slot width means little as long as the water makes it all the way to the end of your screen its fine. I found the wider my slot the more uniform the wall of water was. I think i have about a 5-6mm hole which is 1/4 inch to get full flow at 1000gph.

  4. #4

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    Re: Pumps

    Ok thanks guys. Great site by the way SantaMonica. Umm, so the only way I could get a nice sheet of water over the mesh is to test it and adjust as needed?
    Also, if I add another layer of mesh, will I need more lighting? I already have two layers by the way.
    Thanks in advance.

  5. #5
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    Re: Pumps

    Don't add another layer. Actually one layer is best.

    The screen will fill-in as growth occurs.

  6. #6

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    Re: Pumps

    So should I take out the second layer? Here is my set up if this helps. I have 9x10 inch mesh x2. My tank is a 90 gallon with built in overflow. My sump is a 30 gallon tank and my pump is a mag 7. I'm afraid that the algae scrubber won't keep up if I have just one layer of mesh.

  7. #7
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    Re: Pumps

    One layer filters better for most people, because the light can reach to the screen.

  8. #8

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    Nov 2010
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    Arrow Re: Pumps

    One last question. Is my mag 7 good for the return or is it cutting it too close? The height is at 4'.

  9. #9
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    Re: Pumps

    If the screen is full of fast-flowing water, then it is good.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    281

    Re: Pumps

    My screen fills very well, but it's not possible to use the 3mm slot for a 85cm long pipe running 7k lph return. I had to widen the slot with a drill to make uniform holes. This works.

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