Pump size for TLF reactors with GAC and NP biopellets?

paddyob · #1 01-05-2011, 03:59 PM

I would have ordered a Maxi Jet 1200 ($29 at Blue World).

TLF recommends a 400-600 but I find running two reactors that the 1200 is a better choice. You have ball valves to tune down the flow on TLF's... so consider the fact that you can lower your flow with a bigger pump, but you can't make a smaller pump bigger.

You also need to consider the distance/height the water will travel.

jphong · #2 01-05-2011, 04:01 PM

Is this from personal experience using the 600? I will have to talk to Ken to get that pump it seems. Well at least I have a new 600 that I can sell.

Coleus · #3 01-05-2011, 04:05 PM

even with one TLF i found that 600 won't make the pellets tumble nicely. 900 or 1200 will do better with one TLF. With two, I am not so sure, try to get bigger pump because you can always tune down the flow with your TLF ball valves

paddyob · #4 01-05-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphong

Is this from personal experience using the 600? I will have to talk to Ken to get that pump it seems. Well at least I have a new 600 that I can sell.

Yes personal experience. I have the 1200 running mine... and it could always be bigger.

jphong · #5 01-05-2011, 04:11 PM

I understand that you need some decent flow to get the pellets tumbling but does that toss up the carbon in the first chamber too much?

paddyob · #6 01-05-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphong

I understand that you need some decent flow to get the pellets tumbling but does that toss up the carbon in the first chamber too much?

Actually my carbon barely tumbles with the 1200. Maybe I am using the wrong carbon.

Coleus · #7 01-05-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddyob

Actually my carbon barely tumbles with the 1200. Maybe I am using the wrong carbon.

Why do you need your carbon tumbles?

paddyob · #8 01-05-2011, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coleus

Why do you need your carbon tumbles?

Not sure.... I am new to reactors myself... a couple months. I just know alot of media is supposed to tumble in them... but my carbon (Kent) barely moves.

Coleus · #9 01-05-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphong

I understand that you need some decent flow to get the pellets tumbling but does that toss up the carbon in the first chamber too much?

You have the ball valves to adjust the difference flow between your carbon and pellets

jphong · #10 01-05-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coleus

You have the ball valves to adjust the difference flow between your carbon and pellets

So I should have pellets in the first chamber full blast then slow it down with a valve to the second chamber with the carbon?

How is yours set up?