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Bakbay's 450g - Final Upgrade?
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Jimbo327
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I probably also won't splurge on a Abyzz, but if you got the baller funds, those are top of the line pumps.
It all depends on how much flow you want to push through from the sump to the tank. There is a lot of factors.
You can use this calculator to give you an idea of what kind of head you want to overcome and deliver how much flow.
https://www.pumpfundamentals.com/php_pages/pump/head-1.php
Bends will need to be factored in, every 90 degree bend add 1 foot of head.
Since you are already using the BK skimmers with the RD pumps, maybe you would like to stick to that brand of pump. They are really nice pumps. The 100W RD3 version has max 17 ft. head. I think there is also 150W version. Just have to look at the pump flow vs head curve. PM me if you need help with the calculations, but you would probably need to know how you will plumb.
It all depends on how much flow you want to push through from the sump to the tank. There is a lot of factors.
You can use this calculator to give you an idea of what kind of head you want to overcome and deliver how much flow.
https://www.pumpfundamentals.com/php_pages/pump/head-1.php
Bends will need to be factored in, every 90 degree bend add 1 foot of head.
Since you are already using the BK skimmers with the RD pumps, maybe you would like to stick to that brand of pump. They are really nice pumps. The 100W RD3 version has max 17 ft. head. I think there is also 150W version. Just have to look at the pump flow vs head curve. PM me if you need help with the calculations, but you would probably need to know how you will plumb.
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Thanks for the link — learn something new everyday! Actually, I have 2 x RD 5 Eco 130W, not the 25W version, so I should definitely make it to the main tank just fine. Going to the frag tank is possible but since I might T off to the frag tank, I might lose half the pressure? Basically, do this redundancy but sacrifice flow.
OR: just keep the frag tank separate, sounds a lot cheaper (and avoid contamination) the more I think about it!
OR: just keep the frag tank separate, sounds a lot cheaper (and avoid contamination) the more I think about it!
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The spec is here and attached.
Attachments
Jimbo327
Active Member
Look at the flow curve, it is more important.
https://www.royalexclusiv.com/Flow-...on-R-5-ECO-130-Watt-11-0m-3000-GAL::1014.html
How many times turnover do you need from main tank to sump? You have a lot of water in your tank (-450gal). Let’s say you want 3x turnover (450x3=1350gal), then you would want 1350 gph flowarte. Estimate the head pressure with calculator, then follow the curve at that head pressure. It will tell you if your pump can deliver it.
Example: So if you want 1350 gph (5000 LPH), your head pressure needs to be below 2.5M or 8.25 ft according to the 130w RD5 pump curve.
If you have 2 pumps, then run them both and that should theoretically double your flow minus some losses. And if this is my tank, I would run 2 pumps to the main tank, gives you some redundancy.
https://www.royalexclusiv.com/Flow-...on-R-5-ECO-130-Watt-11-0m-3000-GAL::1014.html
How many times turnover do you need from main tank to sump? You have a lot of water in your tank (-450gal). Let’s say you want 3x turnover (450x3=1350gal), then you would want 1350 gph flowarte. Estimate the head pressure with calculator, then follow the curve at that head pressure. It will tell you if your pump can deliver it.
Example: So if you want 1350 gph (5000 LPH), your head pressure needs to be below 2.5M or 8.25 ft according to the 130w RD5 pump curve.
If you have 2 pumps, then run them both and that should theoretically double your flow minus some losses. And if this is my tank, I would run 2 pumps to the main tank, gives you some redundancy.
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Thanks @danreef55 & @Jimbo327 - much appreciated. The plan has always been to run both pumps to the main tank for redundancy. Looks like I'll dedicate 2 x RD 5 Eco 130W for the main tank and not try to plumb the frag tank 22ft away (they are literally on the other side of the wall).
I actually have another Red Dragon pump (RD 3 80W) in storage that I can run across to the frag tank. However, looking at the spec & calculator, I shouldn't even attempt this.
What do you guys think?
I actually have another Red Dragon pump (RD 3 80W) in storage that I can run across to the frag tank. However, looking at the spec & calculator, I shouldn't even attempt this.
What do you guys think?
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Really stupid question - the power curve is for "Pressure Height" and I'm dealing with "Friction Head" (lateral) of 22ft, what is the estimated gph that I'll be expecting? Less than 100? That can't be right, correct? Sorry - I'm a total noob and not an engineer in this field.
This pump will not meet your needs. You read the chart properly. You have to look to AC pumps to do the job.
From what I have been told and read DC pumps benefits are........
Lower energy required
Ability to 'soft' start (not important at least to me)
Variable speed (you are going to run full bore)
Ability to be monitored (can be handled by a smart power supply)
Lower energy required
Ability to 'soft' start (not important at least to me)
Variable speed (you are going to run full bore)
Ability to be monitored (can be handled by a smart power supply)
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Thank you -- I will abandon the plan to plumb the frag tank for now. Perhaps keeping it separate might be better in the long term anyway. Components of the frag tank (see pic):
Heater: 300w
Dosing: will install an old CaRx
Controls: currently running with Apex EL + Trident
UV: AquaUltraviolet 57W
Wavemakers: 2xMP40s
Return pump: Vectra M2
I have everything already so just add a CaRx and keep it separate. However, I do need to install a control panel and clean up the mess underneath. I sorta put everything together thinking that it was only temporary.Attachments
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Believe it or not, I'm actually out of "room" in this massive "fish room"! lol I think that an Adaptive Reef controller board (in white, of course) will work underneath the tank.Equipment looks good
Build another sweet control cabinet that you did for the 450
Standard Aquarium Controller Board
Get rid of the rat's nest of wires around your tank! Keep all of your aquarium equipment safe and organized with the Adaptive Reef Controller Board! Most of us have a scary tangle of cords coming out of our controllers and running behind the aquarium. Not only is this a nightmare for...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
That can wait a little bit though -- my wife is complaining about the mess so I need to tidy up the rest of the room first. One thing that I'm looking for is to build/buy 3 panels in white lacquer to match the main tank and hide all the clutter!
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Jimbo327
Active Member
1" pipe is going to be tough. Ideally, you would want 1.5". I had no idea that RD5 only has 1" return. I don't think you will get the flowrate you are looking for with these pumps with 1" piping.
You may need to look for a bigger pressure DC pump (230W) or AC pumps like Dan said.
I guess this sump does not fit under the tank.
You may need to look for a bigger pressure DC pump (230W) or AC pumps like Dan said.
I guess this sump does not fit under the tank.
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Correct - the pressure side is 1in. I’m not planning to go across the room, just +6ft compared to underneath the tank. Anyway, head is 5-7m (15-21ft) and I’m way under that right?
I wish that this will fit underneath but the BK300 won’t clear.
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Even at 10ft head pressure due to 90deg turns, that’s 1000gph x 2 pumps = 2000gph / 450 = 4.4x
I’m still good, correct?
I’m still good, correct?
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Yup - I think that’s more than enough for me. All the filtration is in several hundred pounds of rock already! lol The sump is for heating, skimming (more like oxygenation), water polishing, and allow for dosing to make it back to the tank. I think that 3x is more than adequate for me. I can consider going bigger later but prefer to invest more inside the tank — maybe put 2 more MP60s in the back wall later?
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Dan - I haven’t given up the idea of combining the frag tank though since it will: give me more water volume (stability) but will free up a lot of gear (save $$ on running costs) and less clutter. There are pros/cons of course but will revisit this after the main tank is in autopilot mode, which should be soon! I need to finish plumbing in the next 2 weeks. With kids coming back to school, I’m running out of time, fast!!!Equipment looks good
Build another sweet control cabinet that you did for the 450
Take your time and don't stress. You are making great progress on this build. Take the time to make a list of pros and cons then decide. YES ocdDan - I haven’t given up the idea of combining the frag tank though since it will: give me more water volume (stability) but will free up a lot of gear (save $$ on running costs) and less clutter. There are pros/cons of course but will revisit this after the main tank is in autopilot mode, which should be soon! I need to finish plumbing in the next 2 weeks. With kids coming back to school, I’m running out of time, fast!!!
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