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  1. #1
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    Pump Recommendations

    So I am in the process of gathering materials for my new system and was wondering what pumps others here in the US are using and recommend for a larger system. Are there any specific brands that are more reliable and energy efficient? Are there ones I should steer away from? My Fish Tank will be around 700 Gallons so I am needing something with a higher volume.

    I appreciate the advice.

  2. #2
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    Fairport Harbor, Ohio
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    you want a pump that will pump at least 1400 gal/hr @ whatever "head" you have (height of the surface of the tank you are pumping to the highest point you are pumping), if you go a bit bigger, you can divert flow back into the tank to increase aeration..i've seen systems with anywhere from 1 - 3 times an hour turnover of the volume of the ft

  3. #3
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    Deming, New Mexico
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    Check on what type of shaft the impeller uses. Make sure it is steel. I have used pondmaster pumps for years. Two monthes ago i purchased a pondmaster 1200gph pump the shaft broke in less then two months. They now use a plastic shaft.

  4. #4
    Moderator urbanfarmer's Avatar
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    I have used a Sunterra 200850 Pond Pump, 850 GPH with no problems. Honestly, I was worried it would be a really cheap piece of junk, but it has a 2 year warranty; so, I took the risk. I got it for $53.15 with free 2-day shipping. That's hard to beat.

    I know a lot of folks recommend you have a pump that's 200% or 300% of the volume of your system per hour, but I just go by the plants/fish and levels in the water. I'm using that for about 3000 gallons. It's not just about the gallons though. Everyone's system is VERY different, I have a low stocking density, and I take advantage of every way possible to create nitrification and oxygenation. I have no data to back this up; so, I don't recommend you try.

    So, buy 2 or 3 of those for your system, I guess...

  5. #5
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    Whigham, Georgia
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    ya know im not promoting biz.. but harbor freight has decent pumps for decent money.

  6. #6
    Moderator urbanfarmer's Avatar
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    Quote Originally Posted by swamp creek farms
    ya know im not promoting biz.. but harbor freight has decent pumps for decent money.
    From what I recall, their pumps eat electricity like a fat kid in a cake shop...

    If by some odd change that's not the case, always get their extended warranty, and always use the 20% off coupon for some extra savings!!!

  7. #7
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    Whigham, Georgia
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    i have not noticed my bill go up any yet, i run three pumps and one aerator. 24/7

    i tried to put a meter around the chord and it wouldnt read anything?!?! im sure its pulling something.

    the way i see it, my electric bill gets higher when the electric company buys a new truck, gives a raise, and for now some reason they are completely renovating and expanding their building because they HAVE to use the money or lose it? ? ? wtf

  8. #8
    Moderator urbanfarmer's Avatar
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    VERTICAL FLOAT SUMP PUMP
    http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manual ... /95593.pdf

    About 700/600/450 Watts for 3700/3300/3000 GPH.

    1/4 HP, 115 Volt Submersible Water Pump ($54.99 without coupon or paying for warranty)
    http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarte ... 98342.html
    300 Watts for 1400 GPH. This should be half that.

    Why spend the extra money for a more efficient model that ALREADY comes with a warranty (not to mention we shouldn't be buying more stuff from China, but that's for the sump...)

    150 Watts extra, right?

    0.150 kW x 24 Hours/Day x (30 Days) = 108 kWh per month

    108 kWh x ($0.12/kWh) = $12.96 ~~ about $13 a month. Assuming a better model costs twice as much and it comes with a warranty for that price, you will make up the difference in 2-3 months (don't forget you have to pay for HF warranty). After that 2-3 months you will save $13 a month. Let's not forget the GAS it costs to get to the store versus buying a better model online.

    You guys LOVE MAKING ME DO MATH

    EXAMPLE ONLY of 1500 GPH draws 190 Watts with 1 year warranty (you can do better): http://www.amazon.com/Ecoplus-ECO-PUMP- ... 002JLI8FW/

    OK LOOK for around $150: EcoPlus 3170 Submersible Water Pump, 3,170 GPH, 1 year warranty, 180W <--- WHAAAAT?

  9. #9
    Moderator badflash's Avatar
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    Malden Bridge, NY
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    I've been very impressed with Intex pool pumps. I got a few last year for $35 each. 10 GPM at 8+ feet and only 80 watts. If you get a 600 gallon 8' intex pool, it comes with it for around $50.
    The best fertilizer is the farmer's shadow

  10. #10
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    Gulf Shores, Alabama
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    Re: Pump Recommendations

    Quote Originally Posted by rfeiller
    Check on what type of shaft the impeller uses. Make sure it is steel. I have used pondmaster pumps for years. Two monthes ago i purchased a pondmaster 1200gph pump the shaft broke in less then two months. They now use a plastic shaft.
    That is exactly why I asked. I had a Pondmaster that snapped last night. It is less than a month old. I put just a little back pressure on it to adjust the flow in order to fix a bell siphon and 6 hours later it popped. Lesson Learned!

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