Anyone ever installed a pump in your canopy? I'm going to run into a issue with my setup (220g RR, Island style stand and canopy) Because I won't have a back or side wall to hide pipes I'll have to be creative with adding flow. The overflows are rated at 1200gph so I'll have 2 mag 6or7 pumps in the sump returning through the existing drilled holes. Therefore I have no other ways for return from below the tank. SO I'm thinking about installing my closed loop pumps in the canopy along side or behind my light fixture. The pump already has mounting holes so that's not a issue. I plan to purchase a 8-way OM for the closed loop so having everything right there would be super. The canopy will be 15" tall. I plan to install at least 4 fans with 4 additional air vents. My only concern is all this would 1. Add additional heat above the tank 2 Block light 3. Add additional weight to the top of the tank 4. confined heat would damage pump 5. pump fan would blow dust into tank 6. Fish would splash water onto pump 7. Light would weaken PVC/seals over time causing them to burst and electrocute everything. In my mind the plan would work. What do you think?
Dumb/newbie question: How would you prime the pump if it is higher than the water level or do they need priming?
Siphon out air and keep inlet and outlet below the water line. That should keep a vacuum preventing the water from draining out in the event of a power outage. Kinda like the U-tube in a HOB overflow, only the pump is in the middle of the U. Have a 75g sump so I'd never need to change water from the display. I would never change more than 50 at a time anyway (55g barrel)
Marcus, would the suction be pulling straight down from the pump? For an eight way or four way you will need at least a 2" suction line. Also keep in mind that its a good idea to use true union or single union fittings so you can pull the pump or OM unit for maintains. Maybe you could build the canopy larger, and say have a dedicated compartment for the pump. Or have a equipment closet built onto the tank hiding one side for pumps and plumbing?
There are numerous ways that you can get air into the tubes among the ones that you will not think of. I would think that if at all possible avoid having the pumps above the water line - it seems to be asking for problems. I second Roy in making sure to use unions on every aspect of your OM. I yet to have to remove mine after a year but I can easily with all the unions that I installed. I look forward to seeing some pictures.
