Plumbing question

[Solitaryensis]

Hey all, I am trying to automate filling up my ATO container. My RODI set up is approximately 75 feet from the tank. I purchased a few sump pumps with the goal of using quarter inch RODI tubing to move the water to my ATO. Unfortunately, the water moves incredibly slow and I suspect it’s because I am reducing the output of the pump from 1” down to the 1/4” tubing. Any ideas on how I can get the water to move more quickly? Specific type of pump?

 

[popper]

Are you saying the rodi goes to a container. Then from container to your ATO TANK? Is that where it goes From 1' to 1/4"? Its a major bottle neck. Imagine the freeway from 4 lanes to 1 lane.

Why not have the RODI tube goes straight to your ATO tank?

I have a new booster pump if that'll help.

 

[Solitaryensis]

That’s exactly right - into a rubber maid garbage can and then pumped into the ATO. I could go straight to the tank but what I was trying to create is a semi-automatic water changing station where I could also pump mixed SW during water changes. I know there are plenty of better ways to do this but was trying to be as practical and economical As usable for this set up.

 

[iani]

I think the only way to move the water faster is to increase the size of the line.

 

[Cilyjr]

You are not going to get the pressure needed from a pump designed to go with a 1 inch outlet reducing it to 1/4 inch. All you'll get is an impeller spinning in a chamber with a ton of back pressure which will eventually break the pump.

They make pressure pumps that will push more water through 1/4 pipe, think a fridge dispenser for a gauge of flow. I cannot think of any internal reservoir pumps that are 1/4 inch that would be for hobby use.

There are a few that are a 3/8 outlet pumps that might do the trick for you. If you can go up to 3/8. That's your secondary holding tank.

 

[FinalPhaze987]

A peristaltic pump could pump that far through a line that small

 

[Cilyjr]

A peristaltic pump could pump that far through a line that small

True, but I think the volume that he's looking for would require a very expensive peristaltic pump. The cheap ones are mostly for dosing a few milliliters at a time.

 

[iani]

A peristaltic pump could pump that far through a line that small

Yes but not at very high volume. I've burned out many kamoer fx stp peristaltic pumps. They max out at about 120ml per minute. The pumps run about 300 each I think.

 

[PjFish]

Why not just go with a larger diameter NSF tubing they come in all sizes? You can reduce to whatever size with fittings for ato then switch to full diameter for water changes.. NSF hoses come in all diameters with fittings think the largest john guest fittings maybe 5/8 not sure…l have a couple rolls of 3/4 NSF RV hoses I use at times for long distance water changes or tank moves if need to transport water in barrels/ buckets etc.. Just rinse out after water changes otherwise will get funky...

 

[BAYMAC]

Yes but not at very high volume. I've burned out many kamoer fx stp peristaltic pumps. They max out at about 120ml per minute. The pumps run about 300 each I think.

Even good ones don't do much volume, 2000ml/min max, and you're spending thousands, not hundreds.

He's going to need to go to 3/8 or 1/2 to move more via the current pump, and most mag drive aren't really built for that much back pressure.