pump size

[mountaindew]

I have a 120gal saltwater tank with a sump.What size pumps would I need to put in the sump to push water about 6-7ft to the outlet flow tubes in the tank

 

[thincat]

use this to figure out what you need:Head Conversion Factors:1 psi = 2.31 feet head
1 foot head = 0.433 psi
Now chose the pump you want and then go for the size of pump in that make to suit your needs.

 

[mr_X]

what is your overflow rated for?

 

[mountaindew]

I am not sure.The overflow is built into the middle of the tank and then it has one return on each side

 

[mr_X]

what size is the drain? 1"? 1.5"?

 

[mountaindew]

1.5

 

[mr_X]

well, i can't remember the exact numbers, but i think a single 1.5" drain can handle about 1200gph or so, after head loss. anything larger than that will have to be choked back (at the pumps exhaust port, not the intake).

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General hardware and equipment discussion.

 

[mountaindew]

so if a pump says its 1585gph at 13ft lift,that would work?

 

[mr_X]

if it's putting out 1585 gph at 13 feet, you'll have to choke it back some, but yes, that would be a good choice. contrary to popular opinion, choking a pump back is not bad for it. as a matter of fact it lengthens the pump life, and will use less electricity. just remember to put the ball valve at the exhaust port, and not at the intake. you don't want to starve it for water.

 

[Cortes427]

You can get a good idea of how much water is coming out by filling a known size container and timing it. For example if it takes 10 seconds to fill a one gallon jug, multiply 1 gal/10 sec by 3600 sec/1hr equals 360 gallons per hour.