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trplxj

question about reeflo dart pump

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6 Comments
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trplxj
, 08-14-2011 at 07:28 PM (3037 Views)
I'm ordering a Reeflo dart hybrid pump from Marinedepot.com (once they are in stock) to replace the two mag 12 pumps that I currently use on my freshwater 500 gallon tank. (I know is FW and this is a SW site, sorry) My question is can I run 1 1/2" plumbing on the inlet side of the pump instead of the 2"? The reason I ask is the cost of the 2" bulkheads, ball valves, and unions is way more than the 1 1/2" parts. Is using 1 1/2" parts going to be ok or should I just bite the bullet and buy the 2" parts?

Thanks!!!

P.S. I'm sure a lot of you are wondering why I would use such a "small" pump on such a bug tank. The answer is, I don't need the flow and turn over rate on this tank as I would if it was SW. The two mag 12's have worked great on this tank for 3 years now with no problems. But I'm looking to redo my sump and plumbing and want to go with a single pump that is bigger and will help move a little more water.

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Updated 08-15-2011 at 03:51 PM by trplxj

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‎ Plumbing

Comments

  1. Myhahockeykid's Avatar
    yep, I was in your exact same shoes a month ago. I have a snapper/dart hybrid (the replacement to a Dart) which runs with the same specs as a normal dart. I called Chris at reeflo (owner) and he personally said to me, that 1.5" is fine for the bulkhead, union, valves, etc, but to run as much pipe as 2" as possible, even if it means just a 2" union (~$10 at HD) and a little spilled water when you uncouple the pump (not a big deal in my eyes). I'll post a pic later tonight of my setup to show you what I mean. Also Chris said to make sure that the inlet plumbing is the same size or larger than the output plumbing so the pump wont cavitate. You shouldn't even have to think about this (assuming your return bulkheads are less than 1.5").
  2. melev's Avatar
    Correct, 1.5" is fine. The only thing I recommend is keeping the plumbing straight going into the pump, limiting it to what is necessary. Here's mine set up:

  3. DJ in WV's Avatar
    Lowes carry a 2in true union valve for 25 bucks and it seals and work fine
  4. trplxj's Avatar
    Thanks everyone!! I'll be ordering 1 1/2" plumbing then.

    Melev, where did you get those strainers from?
  5. melev's Avatar
    The strainers come from Savko.com - you will need a 1.5" threaded nipple, and you need to specify with Savko that you want the strainer with the 1.5" female thread. The other size is 2". Both strainers are 5" in diameter, with either 1.5" or 2" internal threads.

  6. trplxj's Avatar
    thank you Melev.