Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board - dart pump question

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dart pump question

ok so I'm looking at the reeflo dart for a return pump. Thing is I'll have at least 6ft of pipe from pump to the sea swirl I'd like to attach it to, also there will be at least 8 elbows involved with this (2 sea swirls). If each elbow equals 1ft of head that makes 14 feet of head. The pump shuts off at 12'. So this won't work will it?

Another thought, if I use that flex hose there won't be any elbows, will that work better?

You will have a more sweeping turn with flex hose than with a 90. Definately will be less friction. All you need to do is eliminate 2 elbows and then be just at the max head.
I think getting rid of 8 elbows would do that for you if not more. Must be a chart for that somewhere

Quote:

Originally Posted by christyf5 (Post 385810)

First, it is 12' of "head" that the pump stops working at, NOT 12' of pipe, and the frictional losses depend heavily on the pipe size. 1.5" pipe is more than enough for a dart.
Second, are you counting each output elbow of the sea swirl as a inline elbow. You should be counting each elbow in the "path" to the tank.

IE: if your return splits into 8 lines and each has an elbow, you really only have 1 elbow between the pump and the tank.

BTW: I had a dart, and now a snapper and I do love those pumps.

Ok, I thought the 6 feet of pipe to the sea swirl was vertical

The Darts aren't considered hi pressure so will roll off pretty good with head.

I was trading some e-mails last year with reeflo about using a Dart with 15' total head (was about 9' vert, 9' horiz, plus fittings), didn't get an exact answer but got the impression would be flowing near zero.

Suggest running your numbers on RC Head Loss calculator.

the 6' is vertical but by the time it comes out of the pump and then goes up and tees off to each sea swirl theres a whole lotta elbows.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolf_bluejay

wow this was like another language to me. the return was basically splitting into two lines each having a crapload of elbows. Heres an artistic rendition of what I'm talking about. Yes I know my talent is pretty impressive :wink:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...elbowmania.jpg

I will be using 1.5" pipe, I'm thinking spa flex will likely be the way to go anyways as hillegom mentioned, there will be less friction. As for the elbows that are actually part of the sea swirl, I had totally forgotten about those.

Thanks for the help guys, keep it going if you have any other suggestions! I've been living in submersible mag pump land for the past 5 years, its as far as I can think :razz:

Quote:

Originally Posted by christyf5 (Post 385884)

the 6' is vertical but by the time it comes out of the pump and then goes up and tees off to each sea swirl theres a whole lotta elbows.

wow this was like another language to me. the return was basically splitting into two lines each having a crapload of elbows. Heres an artistic rendition of what I'm talking about. Yes I know my talent is pretty impressive :wink:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...elbowmania.jpg

I will be using 1.5" pipe, I'm thinking spa flex will likely be the way to go anyways as hillegom mentioned, there will be less friction. As for the elbows that are actually part of the sea swirl, I had totally forgotten about those.

Thanks for the help guys, keep it going if you have any other suggestions! I've been living in submersible mag pump land for the past 5 years, its as far as I can think :razz:

Christy, I would suggest a gate valve between the sump and the pump and another on the return line. Very handy for setting your flow just how you want it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance (Post 385904)

Christy, I would suggest a gate valve between the sump and the pump and another on the return line. Very handy for setting your flow just how you want it.

EDIT: That should read a gate valve on the drain line and one on the return line. You don't need one between the sump and the pump.

Your artist's impression is good.
Would you be able to go all the way vertical and then tee, and then go straight into each sea swirl?

Where did you get that 1 elbow equals one foot of head pressure?