Someone with LOTS of patience please explain my plumbing and pump problems

groupergenius

Active Member
Originally Posted by dmschiff
I'm sure nothing is blocked since everything is basically brand new. I'll try raising the dursos, but agree that the pump is most likely not keeping up.
It is a mag 18. When tested in a wash tub with basically 2 feet of head or less, it only pumped about 1000 gph.

In my 120 with dual overflows, I converted ALL 4 of the bulkhead fittings into drains and created my own return lines on the back of the tank. I'm running a 3600 gph pump on it though. Nothing like alot of flow.
 

scotts

Active Member
I just skimmed through this post, but ss that a reduction to a 3/4 or 1/2" line? Plus is that a check valve? I personally do not like check valves for our plumbing. That that is just a connector than you chould change that out for a regular union.
 

scsinet

Active Member
Originally Posted by Scotts
I just skimmed through this post, but ss that a reduction to a 3/4 or 1/2" line? Plus is that a check valve? I personally do not like check valves for our plumbing. That that is just a connector than you chould change that out for a regular union.
Those look like "repair couplings" to me, not check valves.
To the OP... a little off topic, but you may want to put some support blocks behind those pipes and secure them with pipe straps. You don't want to bump that plumbing or wiggle things around and have it stress the tank's glass. It would behoove you to secure it near the tank.
 

scsinet

Active Member
Originally Posted by juice_1080
You probably have a bad pump then. That would be my guess
Mine too. I've been lurking on your issue for some time (I think you've had a couple threads on it...
)
There's nothing wrong with your plumbing except that restriction on your returns, but I don't think that explains the dropoff in flow. Something's up with that pump.
 

juice_1080

Member
Originally Posted by SCSInet
Mine too. I've been lurking on your issue for some time (I think you've had a couple threads on it...
)
There's nothing wrong with your plumbing except that restriction on your returns, but I don't think that explains the dropoff in flow. Something's up with that pump.
Yea your plumbing seems pretty minimalistic and has what looks to be the minimum amount of elbows you could have for this setup so I would have to go with the bad pump as I said before. Especially since you mentioned that it tested @ 1000gph when (correct me if I am wrong) a mag 18 @ 2ft of head should be between 16-1700gph. I would probably talk to the company and see if they will replace it.
 

dmschiff

Member
SCSInet,
Thanks, I will definitely secure the plumbing.
Originally Posted by SCSInet
Mine too. I've been lurking on your issue for some time (I think you've had a couple threads on it... %)
Yes, I think I was in denial. I hate to call someone on something and then eat my foot because I overlooked something really stupid. However, I honestly think the pump is bad.
So, contacted Danner yesterday and was a little dissappointed. Very friendly, but basically read me a chart based on 2 inch line and told me that these were really designed for use on waterfalls for ponds and not aquariums. I gently told her that the box it comes in states otherwise, and that I would pretend that it was a waterfall for my fish as long as it performed as it claimed. I was hoping for a guide to factor in elbows and a little more tech. support. etc.
I'm ordering another pump today, but not sure if I want to order the same. I know the chance of getting 2 bad pumps is slim, but I'd kick myself. The place I purchased it more or less told me they don't like them They suggested an external pressurized cora life pump that is 3 x the price. I don't doubt it is a better pump, but don't think I can fit an external pump. Also, I selected the mag based on dependability for my price range.
My father and I built the stand and Hubby did the plumbing so I will have to ask him about the check valve or repair coupling.
There's nothing wrong with your plumbing except that restriction on your returns, but I don't think that explains the dropoff in flow. Something's up with that pump.
When you say restriction, do you mean the fact that we throttled it down or do you see something that needs to be changed.
Obviously I want as much fow as possible, but curious why it's a bad thing to turn down the drains. I understand that turning back a pump wears on it over the long run but can't understand why you shouldn't turn down a drain if you choose to.
THanks
 

scsinet

Active Member
No I mean there appears to be a drop in pipe size just below the bulkheads on the return lines. It looks as though the lines are 3/4", then they are reduced to 1/2" going into the couplings that connect to the bulkhead. Scotts pointed it out and circled it in one of your pictures.
Throttling a pump back usually does not hurt it. As long as the bearings are submerged, which they obviously are in your case, all valving back a pump does is look like more head to the pump.
 

scsinet

Active Member
Yes. I am talking about his return line. The drains have no role in a problem with the pump's flow rate.
 

scsinet

Active Member
I just looked at the pictures again and caught that the return lines are 1", so the reduction is probably to 3/4 to go through the bulkhead, which would also be 3/4 so I guess it's fine.
 

scotts

Active Member
SCSI is right, now that I look at it again and read what went on what I circled does seem to be a 3/4" line. Which would be fine. At first glance it seemed to me be half the size of the 1" line. So forget what I said.
You know they sell these pumps all over the place, so you might want to try a different place that has better customer service.
BTW Kudos to your hubby, he did a good job on the plumbing
 

dmschiff

Member
The repair coupling is 1/2 in because the bulkhaed that came with the megaflow kit was 1/2 in. My husband wasn't thrilled with that option either.
The place I ordered the pump was actually very nice and will refund it. So I ordered another Mag 18.
I;l l let you know how that works out. Pease excuse the type o's. My keyboard must be on it's way out and intermitantly won't back space or delete or type the same leter twice in a row.
Scotts,
I will pass on the plumbing compliment to my husband. He is fairly particular and was bummed that he leaked the purple sealant so this will make his day.
As an engineer he hates to work on a job that he can't follow start to finish and get his hands on the actual mechanics or construction. Cracks me up 'cause he comes home 10 x dirtier than the other guys in the shop. But I'll keep him.
 
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