Backyard Aquaponics
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Hi could anyone give me some advice on my first system?

I need to use a DC pump because of wiring issues outside the house. My housemate is an electrician and has assured me its impossible to get an AC powerpoint outside cheap + legally in this rental.

My system will consist of a 200L fish tank, 200L sump and 150L of growbeds. The growbeds will be about 1-2 meters high at the most.

I have found 3-4 on ebay & BCF
DC Water pumps

12V / 0.84A / 4m height / 500 Litres ph / brushless / submersible
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-DC-Brushless-Water-Pump-Solar-Panel-DC40-1245-/130503510946?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1e629d8ba2#ht_3114wt_905

12V / 1.45A / 5m height / 420 Litres ph / brushless / submersible / centrifugal pump
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DC12V-Electric-Submersible-Water-Pump-111GPH-P-38K-AU-/250895626554?pt=AU_Pool_Spa_Beach&hash=item3a6a8b713a#ht_3613wt_1203

24V / 2.6A / 4.5m height / 2500 Litres ph / brushless / submersible /
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/24V-DC-Brushless-Water-Pump-Solar-Panel-DC50-2445-/400190799063?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item5d2d3afcd7

12V / bilge pump / 1350 Litres ph
http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/products/Rule-Bilge-Pump-360GPH-12V.aspx?pid=124206#Description


Any suggestions on whether these would work, or if a bilge pump is ok?


Thanks so much!!

What is their L/h at the height of your GB? Then you can calculate if they are ok or not.

im guessing it will be about 150 litres per hour.

will a bilge pump suffice?

Bilge pumps usually don't hack it for very long... especially if run continuously...

any comments on DC alternatives to a bilge pump?

No option of a long extension cord into a weather proof box which contains a powerboard?

Also, why can't you get a powerpoint outside at a reasonable cost? Landlord? Ground too hard to dig in a conduit? What?

Another alternative is an inverter and run a standard 240volt pump.

Unfortunately none of my roommates agree on installation of a new power socket - violation of rental agreements.. I have room to run some small wires through a flyscreen outside - and I dont want to run 240VAC outside, so going to have 12VDC wires.

So basically you really have to use a 240VAC pump? Im tending towards the bilge pump as a temporary setup, because I'm not sure these ebay DC pumps will suffice - at least the bilge pump will work for some time.. Especially if I run it on a timer it should get some rest between cycles?

Hmm sometimes it sucks being in a rental!!

Shouldn't be a problem to back an external weatherproof GPO (double)... onto and existing internal GPO (circuit)... having an external power point is a bonus...

If you really want to use a 12v pump... have a look at "Guppies Aquariums"... rather than eBay...

And talk to someone about running 24v to your site, rather than 12v... if it's any distance...

Hello,

I use a PC cooling pump which is rated at 10.8 - 13.2 Volts DC, and is around 18 watts. Specifically, I use the Danger Den DD-CPX Pro. These pumps must be primed and are not submersible. They do not like air bubbles in the line either. I have run it off a car battery, directly off a solar panel, and now I am currently using a PC power supply. My system is small.