Why can't I use a swimming pool pump?

[rkaragozler]

Waynotcars, I have a pool. I looked into pool pumps when I was getting into the hobby, here is what I came up with
my 3/4 hp pool pump (Pentair Dynamo) gives me 4800gph, at 20ft of head, which draws 9 1/2 amps, and weighs about 30 lbs.
when I compared an aquarium pump that was almost the same here is what I came up with
A (Manta Ray) gives 4200 gph at 20ft of head, draws 6.7 amps, and weighs about 25 lbs.
now as for as price
Pentair= 250.00
Manta Ray=400
conclusion that I came up with,
a pool pump only needs to run 4-8 hours a day (no problem with electric bill)
an aquarium pump needs to run 24/7 (big problem)

 

[Imbarrie]

I think we are using our minds and we are trying to help you use yours.
I am also concerned about the noise. I have heard aquarium pumps in a closed room that is confining the sound. I have also heard pool pumps that are outside where the noise is not confined.
Either way, check the specs.

This whole website would be interested in saving some money so we could buy a bigger tank. We are not pawns for the evil corporate pump manufacturers.



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[rkaragozler]

As far as noise my pool pump is about 50 feet from where we sit outside so noise is not an issue, but when you get close to it you could definatly hear it. I am clossing my pool this weekend and will test in the house, for sound levels.

 

[albano]

. I am closing my pool this weekend and will test in the house, for sound levels.

you're gonna run it dry??????????

 

[waynotcars]

A lot of people use their pumps in a basement, a fish room, etc where noise is not an issue. OK, so you draw 2.8 more amps and receive 600 more gph. Had many amps would a pump that flows 600 gph draw? Also, as I said in first post, I would look into used pool pumps as they are plentiful at yard sales, flea markets etc for a fraction of the cost of new. So, I GUESS, that IF the application is RIGHT for you, you COULD save money. If pump were in a spot where noise was not an issue, it WOULD work, and COULD save you big bucks. My OWN question was answered for my own application. I could NOT use a pool pump as noise would definately be an issure for me as tank is in family room. Just trying to make a suggestion for the open-minded. AND, if this hobbies supplies were NOT so over priced and overly marked up there would not be SO many DIY ideas on Reef Central and the net in general.

 

[rkaragozler]

I personally would not get a used pump at all, 1 being you have no idea of what chemicals they had in their pool, and 2 it is expensive to replace a motor, or impeller for a pool pump. Most of the times the impeller is so bonded because of chlorine that you can't even take it out. I don't want to spend a lot of my hard earned money either, but sometimes you have no choice.. You say ahh it's only 2.8 more amps but trust me it adds up. I myself come up with ideas some good some bad.

 

[albano]

A lot of people use their pumps in a basement, a fish room, etc where noise is not an issue.

I've had basement tanks and basement sumps, in my present home, since 1991...late at night when it SHOULD be quiet...you WILL hear every noise, and vibration of the pumps...you do not want that pool pump (especially used) running 24/7!

 

[Imbarrie]

I agree with the late at night part. You may not hear it during the day. But you could construct a sound insulated box for it. The last boat i crewed on had the main A/C pump directly under my bunk. I managed to muffle most of the noise. This was a higher capacity than a pool pump.

On a side note, have you considered eductors on your outlet nozzles in the tank?



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[tttony]

Im a total do it ure selfer, lights, mh/pwcpt/t5 ,plumbing, stands, base rock and scuba dive to catch my own fish. pool pumps are desiging to be noisey, bulky and over sized and run 4 months a year.
Theres other pumps like the reef dart, hammerhead and so on that would make better long term energy smart. Byw ive also got a 220 and used a litttle giant md4scx for fresh water fish.

 

[waynotcars]

Yep, just considered educators today But OF COURSE, I'll build my own as the concept is really simple and inexpensive. Bet the first person to come up with the educator idea met with a lot of opposition to. Guess a lot of folks in the hobby get stuck in their ways. Maybe that's why it doesn't progress as quickly as it can.

 

[JavyJaverson]

look into laguna pumps. i've read that they are the base pump for a bunch of big name skimmer and return pumps that we use in our hobby. Some people use these in their reefs with no problem, and i myself am considering one.