how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

[Delock]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

What sub pump are you using that pumping 1400 gph?

Most pumps lose pumping power as the head increase.

I have a dolphin 3600 and I lose head pressure per 1 foot



So not knowing your tank nor your pump I cannot give you the best solution!

[jetchanic]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

it is a flotec submersible pump and what does geoff mean about contact time?

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

Contact time means basically that your water is in contact with a bacteria populated surface so that the Ammonia/Nitirite will convert into Nitrite/Nitrate.

[jetchanic]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

what should the contact time be for a 75 gallon aquarium?

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

I do not know the exact formula.

I do know that in books I have read that the minimal turnover for moderately stocked aquarium and wetdry is 3.5 to 4 times per hour.

Most people overstock and overfeed, its normal, so most people boost their turnover to 4 to 5 times, some even as high as 7 to 10 times.

In your 75 gallon overstocked, your overflow and pump rate minimally should be 375 to 450 gph.

The amount of bio-balls, Iwill have to reaserch further.  there is a formula for that too.

Geoff

[wesleydnunder]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

I've reduced the return volume to the tank with the same method geoff_tropheus suggested. It works well. Reducing the voltage to the pump motor will just cause the motor to over-amp, ultimately destroying the motor and causing the wiring to heat up dangerously. Motor controllers designed to run motors at reduced speeds are called variable frequency drives, which not only reduce the voltage to slow a motor's speed but just as critically, reduce the frequency of the AC sine wave to less than 60 hz.

Mark

[blacksmith37]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

I have used a Flotec 1/6th HP in my pond. It would get restricted and flow would drop because I would delay cleaning it for weeks. It ran about a yr, which I think is good for a cheap sump-pump.
Is has an overheat switch and running in water heating should not be a problem.
With the rising cost of electricity ( and it will only go higher unless coal and/or nukes are permitted) , I would say a more efficient "aquarium pump" would be worthwhile. I have worn out 2 Flotecs because they were so cheap; but now I am taking my own advice and using a Rio 25HP.
"Real" pumps -like 2+++HP you need to be careful with "turn down ratios", but not with the little stuff in the hobby.

[jetchanic]

Re: how to regulate the output of a sub. pump?

well you guys were right!!!  i should have just waited and gotten a smaller pump.  now there was no disaster but the pump transferred too much heat to the aquarium water and is heating it up.  thanks for you guy's help.  shawn.