Help with a submersible pump

[LisaGarcia]

As most of you know, I am building my first viv. I am needing assistance on finding the best submersible pump. Based on the plans and using the calculator I got here: Tank Volume Calculator . I can have a MAX of 7 gallons of water before the water will reach the egg crate. I would like it to have a head height of 36" just in case. I don't think I will end up having the water come out at the very top but just in case. I know to get one I can change the speed on and to look at the head height. What brands do you all recommend? Which ones work best for you? Do I really need to worry about gph? Most pumps that I have come across that have the head height also have a high gph. This has me really stumped.

[deranged chipmunk]

I'm a big fan of Laguna pond pumps. They aren't very expensive and they do last. I've used aqueon pumps, they are ok. The bigger ones are better. The reptiflow pumps just don't provide decent head heights. Another option is to use a canister filter and utilize the output as your starting point for your pump.

Pumps with higher head heights will typically have higher gph ratings due to the pump needing more water to build up the needed pressure to attain the advertised head height.

Even though most pumps come with a flow adjustment built in, I would recommend adding in a secondary valve (plastic of course) in your pump tubing. You can always make this accessible easier than the pump and then can made adjustments, even after the tank is set up.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[LisaGarcia]

Could you explain or direct me to a proper link about the canister filter? That sounds like something worth checking into...

[deranged chipmunk]

it's fairly simple really. you run the intake under your false bottom. the last one i did, i siliconed a piece of 2" pvc into the corner of the tank to run my piping in. the intake slid down the pipe, below the false bottom and out through the lid to the canister. the output end, i just ran to where i wanted the water to come out. and covered the tubing for that with foam. i used the exoterra turtle filter. it worked well, but was a true mother trucker to prime. but once you get past the priming issue, it's a piece of cake. the one thing to remember about using canister filters is this: you do not need to use the tubing or equipment that comes with it. most filters are of standard sizes, and you can use vinyl tubing from home depot or lowes to customize it to your needs. i haven't used a stock intake or output for any of my tanks' (aquatic or vivarium) canister filters for about 10 years now. i always make custom ones, so i can hide them and/or design them for maximum flow for my aquatics.

[LisaGarcia]

OK.. So Could I use a submersible one? Say for example, the Fluval U Series Underwater Filter ( http://www.fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/A465-u1-underwater-filter/#.VCYTIfldVPc ) and instead of allowing the water to shoot out from the selected area, attach a pipe to it with the other end to a pump? If I got a strong enough canister would I need a pump?

[deranged chipmunk]

i'm not sure how modification friendly some of the submersibles are. for a false bottom tank, i normally use my goto mini submersible, the fluval nano, and have a second pump to run my water feature. the downside to those other submersibles is removing them if there is a problem. in my steam punk tank, i have a 3" pvc pipe so i can run my hand down and get the nano out. i like a small filter for that reason. i always plan for trouble because every time i build something that isn't easy to remove, i have problems with the pump. lol

[LisaGarcia]

That sounds like a plan! I've been burning a hole in the google search engine trying to figure this out. lol So far, we go with the Fluval filter (either the nano or the u1 series) closer to the "lake" and use the Laguna Submersible Statuary water pump (probably the small one) for the waterfall. I have "opening" areas planned near both so I don't have to tear everything apart, just slide over a rock or two.

Ok, Now on to waiting for tomorrow where I get to use my neighbor's son's table saw (I just couldn't let my co-worker do the work for me, have to do myself) to rip up some pvc pipe! Tomorrow the build will finally start showing some progress!

THANK YOU CHIPMUNK!!!

[deranged chipmunk]

Anytime make sure you post later so we know you still have all your parts after using the table saw!! Lol


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[LisaGarcia]

What?! you think I can't use a table saw safely? Is this because I'm a girl? HmMM? :P Just joking! I have been using table saws since I was 5. Sure, Daddy wouldn't let me get anywhere CLOSE to the blade then but I was able to get closer as I grew up. I've even used it on my own without supervision!

Sadly, The table saw plan is not going to work. Neighbors son is out of town for the weekend. we are hitting lowes/HD pretty soon. Maybe they will have a cheap table saw I can pick up. Been a very active day so far. Tore up carpet, washed and polished hardwood floors, got a dump truck filled with the yard waste pile we spent all summer making. Oh and took the dogs on a car ride to pick up breakfast. (They LOVE car rides)

I will post pics as soon as I am able to do anything.

[deranged chipmunk]

Hahaha! I would have said that to a guy as well. Table saws are wicked things.

At least you got stuff done!!


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Mentat]

Bill gave you great advice. Myself would not use an in tank underwater filter unless it's a tank for aquatics. Hiding it from view, while still making it available for cleaning and service, is not easy to accomplish. If using a filter in a vivarium; canisters are the way to go. Check Rena (now marketed as API), Eheim, or Fluval .

[LisaGarcia]

Chipmunk, I posted new pics in the build thread. (Still have all my fingers and toes)

Carlos, I could go the external pump and build a "hide" for the piping route.. I will look into that. If that's the case, would an external Fluval filter work for both? Or is there a better option? I shouldn't have more than 7 gallons of water and finding an external that is made for that little bit seems to be the hard part. That and finding one that will suck water up through the top, down to the pump that would have to be placed under the cabinet and then back UP to the top and to the water feature...


The Fluval 6 series would work except I would have to get the largest one for the head height? I'd have to pump water up about 3' to get over the top of the tank from the bottom and then push the water UP the pipe around 5' to get from the canister over the top of the tank..