Check Your Head Pressure!
What is Head Pressure?
Any weight of the water in the return line above the pump creates a back pressure which diminishes the flow rate dramatically. In other words, the higher the return line, the lower the pumps output. This is referred to as “Head Pressure”.
All bends in the return line increase the head pressure, so be mindful of this when using fittings such as unions, valves, elbows, etc.
Measure the return line from the pump to the top of the aquarium
Measure the distance from where your water pump will be to the top of the aquarium. Then rate the pumps performance at that head pressure. Always use a water pump rated higher than what is calculated for the appropriate head pressure.
The standard "Rule of Thumb" practice is to use a magnetic drive water pump to circulate the water capacity in the aquarium, a minimum of 3-1/2 times per hour at the total height of the "Water Return Line" flowing back into the aquarium.
Do NOT restrict water flow to the pump
Do NOT restrict water flow to the pump
Use a control valve on the output of the pump regulating the flow rate to only what you require. Never restrict water flowing INTO the pump; this could potentially damage the pump.
All plumbing/fittings between the sump and the water pump, should meet or exceed the inside diameter of the intake on the water pump.
Amphibious Water Pumps
Amphibious Water Pumps can function as both External and submersible. This means that they can function both outside the water and under the water. There are pros and cons to both External and Submersible, here we will focus on the External dynamic of this specific line of pumps:
External: Pros - magnetic drive head will not transfer heat into the water, cleaner easier plumbing, larger pumps may be utilized, easy accessibility. Cons- Louder than most submersible models, Vibrates, Generates minimal room heat where installed.
Aqua-Mag (1/2" NPT)
FEATURES
• Reusable Debris Pre-Filter
• Operates Submerged or In-Line
• 10’ Grounded Power Cord
• Energy Efficient
• Models 2, 3, 5 and 7 - 1/2” FPT Inlet, MPT Outlet
• 5 Year Limited Warranty
Aqua-Mag (3/4" NPT)
FEATURES
• Reusable Debris Pre-Filter
• Operates Submerged or In-Line
• 10’ Grounded Power Cord
• Energy Efficient
• Models 9.5, 12 and 18 - 3/4” FPT Inlet, MPT Outlet
• 5 Year Limited Warranty
Aqua-Mag (1" NPT)
FEATURES
• Reusable Debris Pre-Filter
• Operates Submerged or In-Line
• 10’ Grounded Power Cord
• Energy Efficient
• Model 24 and 36 - 1” FPT Inlet, MPT Outlet
• 5 Year Limited Warranty
Submersible Water Pumps
Submersible pumps must be under water to function properly. The flow chart for all of these models is posted below
Submersible: pros- compact, easy to set up, quiet. Cons- takes up valuable sump space, heat generated can raise water temp in aquarium.
Accessories to Consider
Water Return Line Kits
Return line kits will return the water from your filter to the tank of your aquarium.
Return Line Manifold
The function of the Return Line Manifold is to distribute waterflow to each of your accessories and connect to the return line kit
Protein Skimmers
Protein skimmers are built to regulate ammonia spikes cause by unexpected changes in your water.
Refugiums
Refugiums provide a chamber to allow the growth of plant life which feed off of the nitrates produced by the wet dry filter.
Chemical Reactors
Chemical Canisters are used to treat water with continued exposure to certain elements and minerals.
Dosing Systems
Dosing systems use sensors to read the contents of your water and release incremental supplements into your water supply.
UV Sterilizers
UV Sterilizers treat your water with contiunous exposure to UV rays that kill harmful germs.
Co2 Injectors
Used to injuect cabon dioxide in order to promote photosynthesis in plants, which in turn produce oxygen to your tank
Wave Makers
Wave Makers
Wave makers are designed to create a current inside of the aquarium tank itself.