I have a RS Reefer 350L for about 6 months now. Normally with a new tank there are enough challenges and aspects to keep one busy. I have now with the dust settling decided to hook up a flow meter to my Apex as an indication to when to clean the pump, but more importantly, for when the inevitable happen and the pump fail. I have a Sebo 12000L DC variable pump with power set on approximately 55%. The flow registered is only 1300L/h. This is extreme under performance to say the least. I know plumbing, head high etc. etc. will affect flow. These pump are low pressure pumps with a maximum head high claimed of 6.5m or 0,65bar. The height is about 1.2m for my return chamber to to outlet. The flow goes straight from the return pump through the Neptune 1" flow sensor to the outlet of the DT via 1" pipe. I am running it now on 80% with maximum flow I can manage of about 1600L/h. My question: is this sufficient or will I need higher tank turnover? Are there anybody else getting these huge differences between claimed and actual flow figures? Finally any quality DC pumps suggestions that will offer higher head heights and flow? I am thinking along the line of Sicce - they are quality made in Italy from a pump manufacturer.
Return pump challenges
- Thread starter WillemvdP
- Start date
I'm running Mantis DC pumps. Claimed to be 12000. I got two of them. But running on different thickness flexible hose. The thicker hose delivers a lot more on same setting.
What is the diameter of your return line
What is the diameter of your return line
Hi Riaan thanks for the feedback. I know the thickness affects flow significantly. mHowever, my pipe run is only 1.1m (60cm 20mm flex pipe + 50cm riser build into the RS Reefer) from the pump to return outlet in the DT. However Ill charge that to 25mm or 32mm. Increasing the pipe diameter to 25mm did not make a huge difference on my pump when I did the bucket test though. I suspect the pump can’t handle back pressure well at all! Normally one would expect to lose about 50% of the claimed flow figure, especially with such short pipe run. This is values that I could subtract from other reefers experience on the internet. I sit at 13% of claimed value.