pump placement?
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11526
Printed Date: July 23 2026 at 6:16am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: pump placement?
Posted By: Angel
Subject: pump placement?
Date Posted: April 08 2006 at 10:00am
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Does it matter if the surface the pump sits on is 5" higher than the surfice the stand sits on? ------------- Connie Tooele |
Replies:
Posted By: Rocky
Date Posted: April 08 2006 at 10:18am
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It shouldn't ------------- Rocky Phillips Hill AFB, Utah Currently Tankless :( |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: April 08 2006 at 10:19am
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Nope! -------------  |
Posted By: Angel
Date Posted: April 08 2006 at 11:58am
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Thanks! and Mike thanks for the reply on the other thread. I cut the legs off the table so it's down to 3" anyway. ------------- Connie Tooele |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: April 09 2006 at 11:15am
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After reading your other thread about this, I have to admit that I am confused. If I am understanding it correctly, I believe the answer to your question is: Yes, it does matter. and No, that is not a good pump placement. Please explain your proposed setup in more detail so that we can help you avoid mistakes.
------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: AnthonyH
Date Posted: April 09 2006 at 12:46pm
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I believe it depends on whether the pump is above the water line in the sump. If the pump is above the water line it may not prime upon restarting of the pump. ------------- Anthony 55 gallon reef |
Posted By: Redrock
Date Posted: April 17 2006 at 6:12pm
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Centrifugal pumps like to have a net positive inlet head pressure and they are less prone to cavitation if the inlet head (pressure) is positive. In other words if the inlet of the pump is above the water line you would likely have to prime it to produce flow (not all pumps). Under a suction the pressure of the water is lower and can react by flashing to steam (albeit small). This flash then causes small bubbles to appear in the water stream which can cause the pump to stall and then the prime is lost. Under extreme circumstances these small bubbles act like rocks on the impeller and can cause it to disintegrate. This little phenom is more of a concern on high pressure high flow pumps so this is not as big of a deal as I have made it sound. The bottom line is that it is better to have the pump inlet below the water line as much as possible.
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