Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi All

I am going to be building a simple IBC system soon and I am trying to gather all the bits and pieces I need.

What is a good 12 volt pump?

paul

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GOOD... define good...

I suggest that there is no GOOD 12V pump, because of the technical issues with anything running at 12V and then DC..

What you should consider, is buying a standard pump and the purchase a DC to AC pure-sine-wave inverter..

This would give maximum pump efficiency, and likely with better battery efficiency, as you could locate the inverter with the 12V power source, AND, then could run the power cable over longer distances with minimal losses..

WIN-WIN
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Thanks BuiDoi

Do I really need a pure sine wave inverter? Most things run perfectly well on a modified sine wave. Are pumps different?

paul

I agree that using a high quality ac pump might be ideal, but...

I am using this pump: link to Aliexpress DC50 pump and it has run constantly for about 4 months now, so far so good. I run it at 19v, instead of 24, because I did not have a 24v supply handy, but I did have an old laptop cord. I have the speed adjustment set to ~65-70% speed, and the outlet throttled to provide enough pressure to flow up to the top of my strawberry towers (~2.5m head). My flow rate is about 12lpm. At 1.25m head (no other restriction on the outlet), and full speed, it flows at least 3x that. I am not sure how much difference the full 24v would make. I'll find out if I ever get a solar setup, or when I upgrade the rest of the system.

I know that similar pumps are available 12v, and they may suit your need better. I also know that this is not the best quality pump I've ever see, but so far it is adequate. YMMV. Also, there is only 60cm of cable from the controller box to the pump, which makes it difficult to immerse the pump very far. There is lots of cable from the potentiometer to the controller, though.

Would this be a suitable pump?

paul

I'll say no. Not intended to run continuously, just for short periods. I'd avoid anything called a transfer pump, you need constant duty. You could look for circulation pump, and brushless. Even with ac pumps, it seems many here have tried sump type pumps with disappointing results.

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I am only responding technically.. 12 DC pumps are rare and hence more expensive.. they are likely intended for shorter operation.. like bilge pumps..

They will be harder to replace..

A simple pure-sine inverter can last many years, especially if not over driven hard, and if. Filtering .. keeps the cooling air clean..
Pure-sine is far better than modified or worse square.. they end up using less power as it is not wasted. In those noisy steps
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All just a technical preference.. eg.. a 300W pure sine inverter could cover a few upsizing of pumps..
A 500W could cover air pump as well, to your expanding needs..

You must try. IMHO.. avoid domestic pumps.. sump pumps... etc..
They are cheap and they don't care about inefficiency ..
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