I have read that "most" pumps (except self-priming) allow nutrient to drain back through them while they are not pumping. I couldn't find any info on whether submersible or non-submersible pumps were better suited for this, or if it infact doesn't matter at all. I was out looking at pumps the other day, but I noticed that they didn't mention on the packaging if they were self-priming or not. What should I be looking for? Another thing I was curious about was if I had to worry about corrosion. The pumps in the store I was in are all made for aquariums, and are cheaply made in China. I know some of the pumps available in Hydro stores are made to withstand corrosion. Is this something I have to be concerned with? (Edited by chopstick at 8:02 pm on July 9, 2003)
Chop- I never thought I would say this, but you safer with the ones made from plastic parts. The metals corrode with time and corrosion can do many things like change your pH and make it unmanagable. As for the solution draining back through, I would think a submersible would be better siuited for this, although I can't think of why it would be desired unless that is the only way you have to drain the table. Hope I've helped, take care.
Chop, just about any aquarium pump will do. Via Aquas are cheap. So are Rio's. You want enough power to fill the table relatively fast, but not so powerful if causes the cubes or rock to be disturbed. I use a 375 gph pump for each 4x4 table. They fill and drain from the same side and run for 2-3 minutes and then drain back through the pump. That is on the fast side, but I like it that way, a quick blast of nutes and then O2 to grow, grow, grow! They other side of the table has an overflow tube and hose running back to the ressy. Get a height adjustable overflow, that way you can use in conjuntion with the pump timing to dial in the nutrient solution level in the table when you feed. Get a plastic pump as JE said. SO what if a $25 pump kicks off afer a year or two? I would feel like I got my use out it. The best advice for maintaing the life of the pump is to put it in a net bag to pre-filter particles from the solution. Hope that helps ya Chops.
Thanks Joint and Useless for the quick reply, that realy helps me out, you guys just saved me another 5 hours searching the net, believe me it's greatly appreciated. I'll try and check out the brands you mentioned Useless, but I have a feeling they don't carry anything you'd be familiar with. I may end up ordering one of them RIO pumps from one of my catalogs instead, but will have a look first. I'd rather not waste money on shipping and get one locally if possible. M'goi sai (Edited by chopstick at 12:13 pm on July 10, 2003)
Aquarium pumps also have adjustable flow valves...which is nice... ...but i alwayz leave mine on max becuz my drain hole is actually 2" wide...so it'z impossible to overflow it. Mined also submersible. My feeder hole is never submerged...so in case of a power outtage(happens all the time)...the water will not backward siphon all over my carpet...
i have ran through about 5 or 6 pumps mainly from running them dry when the resi is low. the replacemnts i got from a local pet store. the funny thing is that the brand was rio, paid about 25-30 per pump. well the original pumps that i was buying came from discount hyro and they were charging like 60-80 for the exact same pump. didnt make any since to me so i just stick with the ones from the petstore. i mean how many fish tanks do you see with dead fish via the pump? there just as safe as any and cheaper.
