Wondering if 800gph pump is too much

Bon Doogey said:

Hey guys I have a 10Gal Res for my aeroponic setup with a 800gph water pump...has anybody had issues with a pump that is too powerful? I am going up less that 3'...

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JSB99 said:

This is all based off of what I learned setting up my system...

The box for the pump should have a chart on it letting you know the max pump height. Even with that chart, you'll need to keep your vert distance as minimum as possible. I tried going up a few feet with my 900 gph water pump and it had a hard time. I think if you're not going with a high-end pump you'll probably need to keep the height within a couple ft.

I'm not sure if your's will work with an 800 gph pump, but no, it's not too big. You can go way bigger than that without blowing your lines. Remember, these drip lines and emitters are made to run on 25psi for homes. You won't come close to that by far.

I would check the return policy on your pump and try it. If anything, you can just pick up a bigger one if it doesn't work.

Here are a couple ways to avoid spending a ton of money on a pump powerful enough to push water up 3'...

Move the pump closer (okay, this is obvious, but when it all comes down to it, this is the best solution. You don't want to lose all your pressure just getting to the drip lines)

Use longer 1/4" drip lines (don't know if you're running your drip lines all the way to the pump, but this can help. Instead of using a big hose to go up 3' and then use short drip lines to get to the plants, use longer drip lines and a shorter big hose.

Avoid elbows and tees. These will greatly reduce the pressure. If you can, bend your hose instead of using an elbow.

I hope that helps. Here's how I set mine up (see the pics)...

I use under-the-bed bins for the reservoirs. Mine hold 11 gallons. You can get them at Walmart for under $10.

Layed my pump on the side (the bin isn't deep so laying the pump on it's side will make sure the pump is completely submerged)

Attached a 12" long, 1" hose to the pump and drilled holes for the drip lines

Ran the drip lines all the way to the buckets.

Buckets drain into the reservoir below.

I just took these pics of my two boxes this morning...the flowering plants (over 5' and about 2 weeks from harvest), and the plants in veg. I'm running aero in both of these (along with aero in my cloning station).

PS: Make sure you use nutes that aren't going to clog your lines. This will reduce your pressure real quick.

Also, get an air pump and a couple air stones to keep the water circulating.

Hope all this helps. Good luck dude

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AeroKing said:

You should look into using a pump bypass. It will produce less wear on the pump and allow it to run cooler.

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Bon Doogey said:

Very helpful and answered my question....thanks

Also I am running far under 3' check out the pic below.

I used hose inside the res and a bit to the outside but then used pvc up and to the bar. I have run the system and it all works fine...I was worried about it running over time.

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AeroKing said:

For a bypass you simply install a tee after the pump. On one side you have your manifold, on the other, you use a ball valve to control excess flow back into the reservoir.

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