Return manifolds

[jgraz]

In a few days I'll be receiving a reef octopus bio reactor(though I'm not supposed to know). While I do have a mag 5 ready to go I have been considering running a bigger return pump and setting it up on a manifold with me brs GAC reactor. However I'm clueless how to do it. Anyone have any suggestions?
Also, since the pump has to be internal I'm pretty limited with my options and the first pump that comes to mind is a mag 18. Are there any other internal pumps that can handle the flow?
Thanks in advance

 

[Fish Brain]

Here is my manifold on the 65.

It is 1" T's all connected together with 3/4" reducers to the 3/4" valves. I installed 1/2" threaded bushings in the valves so I can use barbed fittings or quick connect for BRS style reactors.

I mounted it to the back of my stand to run the SCWD.

Syncra 5 runs everything. I used a 1" coupler to connect to the manifold. The coupler has a barb fitting on one side and I used vinyl tube to connect to the pump. I added a union for easy removal of the pump for cleaning.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Now this is a serious DIY’er who installs his tank backwards so that he can show off his handy-craft over what is in his tank. Very nicely done Brian.

Well you know how critical I am…..my only comment, if I see this correctly, is that you used metal pipe straps to hold the plumbing. Go with plastic conduit clamps…found in the electrical department.

 

[jgraz]

Brian, how do you deal with extra flow. I imagine that I would have quite a bit of extra water to move if I use the mag 18. ATM all I'll be running is the tank, GAC, and bio. Is it ok to just cap the manifold and basically restrict the pump or do I need to let that water flow out to the fuge?

 

[NyteGTI]

John I'm running almost your exact setup but the brs reactor. Right now I'm just letting it flow back into a filter sock in my skimmer chamber. I'm in Pittsburgh right now but ill get you pics when I get home. Remember that the reactors prolly have 1/2" connections so make sure you get a 3/4" - 1/2" hose fitting. Whatever you do make sue you put a ball valve after the T on the return side. Mine was still too strong at a 50/50 split haha. It was so loud I could handle it. Now I've balled off the return a little bit and its perfect. The flow from the reactor line is pretty strong(close to one of my returns) even after it goes through both reactors.

 

[jgraz]

Def get me some pics Ryan.
Anyone else have any suggestions on a pump or pics of your manifold running similar equipment?

 

[kschweer]

I think the mag 18 would be a bit overkill. I would personally use a smaller pump especially if you're only going to be running the bio-pellet reactor and the BRS reactor. As far as pumps go you can look into the water blaster pumps. I have heard good things about them.

 

[Fish Brain]

Flow is controlled right from the Syncra. It has a knob on the front that lets you adjust the flow from 400 to 1300 GPH.

 

[jgraz]

Ok, so I've been looking at pumps today and now I have a question on head loss and Gph. If I Max out my DT at 700gph and the bio reactor is recommending 500+gph plus the GAC reactor which is minimal, I need a pump capable of handling about 1300gph. Just the vertical from the pump to the return is at about 4.5' then I have to figure in all the elbows and valves. Right? This is the part I really don't get. I've tried the headloss calc on RC but frankly I just don't get it, after I did some basic calculations it had me at over 11' which I don't think is right.

 

[Chrisgarrick]

I'm running a mag 24. It runs 2 biopellet reactors and in a day or so my calcium reactor. I think I have it in my tale of the tank thread.

 

[NyteGTI]

Ok, so I've been looking at pumps today and now I have a question on head loss and Gph. If I Max out my DT at 700gph and the bio reactor is recommending 500+gph plus the GAC reactor which is minimal, I need a pump capable of handling about 1300gph. Just the vertical from the pump to the return is at about 4.5' then I have to figure in all the elbows and valves. Right? This is the part I really don't get. I've tried the headloss calc on RC but frankly I just don't get it, after I did some basic calculations it had me at over 11' which I don't think is right.

Well every 90 elbow is considered 1' so if you've got 7-8 90 elbows (which you probably do) then yea that head loss is probably right.

I'm headed home tomorrow, ill text you some pics.....

Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

 

[jgraz]

So here are two I came up with. Don't mind the missing pieces. I need to get them. You can figure out what it's supposed to be.
First runs horizontal from the pump

Second vertical from the pump(missing the bottom "t".

I'm leaning towards the second one but I really have no clue. Which one if any will work. Thanks in advance

 

[NyteGTI]

If youve got the room I think the first one will run better. Where's the pump at in the 2nd one? bottom or top?

Ill try to give a mock up of what mine does.. Excuse the non hooked up reactors, I had a leak in the plumbing so I'm sealing it with aquarium sealant

T off the pump Right side goes to DT, left side goes to reactors


DT side has a ball valve to control the flow to the tank


here's the reactor T's:


& then after the reactors any left over flow just goes back to the sump.

 

[jgraz]

The pump is at the bottom of the manifold in the first one. Same in the first for that matter.

 

[NyteGTI]

both should work as long as you cap the top of the 2nd. I'd reccommend the first just for more direct flow versus the 90deg turn it's gotta make in the 2nd

 

[jgraz]

The top will be capped. The second will actually be a bit easier to fit but I'm redoing everything under the tank anyway.

 

[Chrisgarrick]

Just my 2cents. I am running a longer return to dt. But with the 2 biopellet reactors and calcium reactor and flow through my spray bar I'm wishing in had more pump! The mag 24 is running full bore. Don't get me wrong it's fantastic flow (with the 2 powerheads and spray bar) and all are running great but I'd rather have too much and restrict it. One big pump actually saves power. I'm actually looking for a backup pump perhaps a mag 32? Whatever is next up the line.

 

[Tazmaniancowboy]

Sorry for my useless post here jgraz

Now this is a serious DIY’er who installs his tank backwards so that he can show off his handy-craft over what is in his tank. Very nicely done Brian.

LMAO @ Paul, but I do agree that is one clean looking setup Brian!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Just my 2cents. I am running a longer return to dt. But with the 2 biopellet reactors and calcium reactor and flow through my spray bar I'm wishing in had more pump! The mag 24 is running full bore. Don't get me wrong it's fantastic flow (with the 2 powerheads and spray bar) and all are running great but I'd rather have too much and restrict it. One big pump actually saves power. I'm actually looking for a backup pump perhaps a mag 32? Whatever is next up the line.

Chris, you’re not saving any power with a MAG pump….they are energy hogs. I think the highest MAG they make is a MAG 3000 gph. But look at the energy consumption. I ran a MAG 24 for my skimmer and I think it sucked 265 watts. If you can, go with an external pump, you’d save money on your energy bill.

 

[Chrisgarrick]

External I use a hydrive danner. Forgot how big. It's to move rodi and pump water out of the tank. I figure if I had to run separate motors for 3 reactors and big return it would be more power. I'd love to get more efficient but I'm broke . And internal is set up so its gonna stay that way. I will tell u I can almost not use my 2 pumps with the power of my spray bar. .