Plumbing Question

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by banditpowdercoat

Acctually, with a centrifugal pump, restricting the flow uses Less power.

In theory yes, but each style of centrifugal pump will have a different pump curve for both flow and power. As head pressure is initially increased from 0 the pump will actually start to consume more power and as head pressure is further increased the power will reach a max and then begin to decrease. The highest efficiency occurs when the power curve intersects with the pressure curve. So you'll notice I used the word "likely" as it may or may not use more power, you would have to hook up a power meter to figure that one out for sure.

But thanks for clearing that up

[banditpowdercoat]

Originally Posted by sphelps

In theory yes, but each style of centrifugal pump will have a different pump curve for both flow and power. As head pressure is initially increased from 0 the pump will actually start to consume more power and as head pressure is further increased the power will reach a max and then begin to decrease. The highest efficiency occurs when the power curve intersects with the pressure curve. So you'll notice I used the word "likely" as it may or may not use more power, you would have to hook up a power meter to figure that one out for sure.

But thanks for clearing that up

Ya, that is true. But, need a flow meter and a ammeter to truly find the curve. Ammeters I have lots of, but lacking on Flow meters.

BTW Phanman, the Mag 18 is gona have a TON of flow. I tried one on my 45g. had it submersed in the sump. It heated the tank up to 85* just running it alone. Granted, if you run it external, it wont put as much heat into the water, but its still going to. Presently I have a Mag 3.5(50% restricted) and a Quiet one 3000 in my tank and thats putting to much heat into it.

[Phanman]

damn... well water is going in tonight so ill be able to test it out. Worse comes to worse Ill move the Mag18 to my 150gal setup which will happen in about a weeks time and look at buying a smaller pump. The tank is in the basement so hopefully it wont get too hot. Im currently trying to setup 3 display tanks at once so I have a little work ahead of me, haha..

thx for the advice thou.