Pump/bulkhead questions?

cipher43

cipher43

Member
Alright so I just got a reeflo dart pump for my 120 for cheap. Now I am getting ready to drill my 40 breeder sump to hook it up and had a question for you all. What size of bulkhead do i need to get to hook the pump to my sump. I plann on having 2 1" return lines with 2 1" bulkheads and 2 1" Ista Vortex Water Flow Accelerators. I already have the drill bit for a 1 1/2" bulkhead but wasnt sure if i need that or a 2" bulkhead? I do plan on throttling back the pump quite a bit if that makes any difference.
 
S

saxman

Guest
If it's the older Dart, it has a 2" intake, so I'd go with that if you can do so. However, if you already have a 1 1/2" hole saw, you could go with that if you want.
If you plan to dial it back, I recommend bleeding some of the return flow back to the sump rather than restricting the flow of the pump itself.
With that much pump, I sorta doubt you'll need the accelerators in a 120, esp if you have the 48" tank.
 
cipher43

cipher43

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by saxman http:///t/389881/pump-bulkhead-questions#post_3448830
If it's the older Dart, it has a 2" intake, so I'd go with that if you can do so. However, if you already have a 1 1/2" hole saw, you could go with that if you want.
If you plan to dial it back, I recommend bleeding some of the return flow back to the sump rather than restricting the flow of the pump itself.
With that much pump, I sorta doubt you'll need the accelerators in a 120, esp if you have the 48" tank.
Yeah this pump kinda fell in my lap or i would have gone with alot smaller pump but i couldn't touch the 1200 GPH pump i was looking at for the price i paid for this. I had already bought the accelerator tips for my tank before that or i would think about going with a different setup. My tank may be a sand storm as is with this dart hooked up to the accelerators and 2 1400 koralia powerheads LOL
Another question i have is what is the best way to get the pump to break siphon when i have a power loss. I have used those valves in the past that are supposed to stop the flow but they didn't even right after i got them from the LFS.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I'd drill the bulkhead the same diameter as in the pump volute. You want to flood the pump; since technically it isn't self priming.....On a side not my new Snapper/Dart Hybrid still has the 2" intake, and it's the new motor body. My Reeflo Gold Dart is the same 2" intake.....Either way don't restrict it at the intake.
 
S

saxman

Guest
FWIW, I'm using a Dart on our 210 build for the CL (got a great deal on it used). I'm running it with a 2" intake as well, for the reason Shawn states (I never restrict my pumps either way). However, once the pump is flooded, it will stay that way, unless it sucks air.
To prevent backsiphoning during a power outage, make sure your returns are relatively near the surface and/or that you use siphon break holes near the surface (about 1/2" max unless you have lots of room in the sump to hold the backsiphoned water). You can even extend the siphon breaks by shoving a piece of rigid airline tubing into a 3/16" hole so it sits closer to the water surface.
 
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