Agitation purpose???

[hurricaneracing]

looking for agitation ideas. Exactly what is the purpose of agitation? Right now I am looking at aquarium pumps are these good enough? How many GPH are recommended?

[sswee]

Agitation has several purposes. It dislodges the tiny hydrogen bubbles that develop on the part and prevent current from reaching the part to grow the coating. It circulates the electrolyte to dissipate the heat generated from the part. Without it, a thermal pocket or envelope develops around the part promoting dissolution of the coating. The circulation also disperses the generated heat throughout the tank so it can be dissipated from the tank.

Aquarium pumps normally don't last long due to metal parts, usually the shafts in them.

GPH needed is dependent on the size of tank. I used a 720 GPH pump on a 20 gallon tank and it was perfect for me. The same pump on my 60 gallon is a little light in my opinion. I'd like it up around 1200 GPH.
SS

[cameraman]

I generally get 30-40 hours out of an aquarium pump. Sage seemed to be happy with his squirrel-cage style paint mixer attached to an electric screwdriver. He replaced the metal shaft with a plastic one and the mixing part is constructed of plastic. Barring fumes, the screwdriver should last a good long while since it's up out of the tank.

Did your chiller arrive, have you tested it?

[hurricaneracing]

Nope no chiller yet. I have been very disappointed with the guys at liverocknreef.com they show it in stock but it isnt. Now I have found one in stock but they wont refund my money they have had since 8/03. Talking to the bank now They keep saying it is shipping later this week.

[hurricaneracing]

Originally Posted by sswee

GPH needed is dependent on the size of tank. I used a 720 GPH pump on a 20 gallon tank and it was perfect for me. The same pump on my 60 gallon is a little light in my opinion. I'd like it up around 1200 GPH.
SS

The 720 is it like a pond pump or actually for aquariums? I am having a hard time finding one that strong. I havent seen anything bigger than 270 GPH or so.

[sswee]

It's a Little Giant pump. 3-MD-HC, a magnetic drive pump setup for high corrosives. A little overkill with the HC version but it gives me comfort of mind. They come in MC - mildly corrosive, SC - semi-corrosive, and HC - highly corrosive versions. You can go to their site for the models and their specs., then shop around because they're not a cheap pond pump. Pay attention to the part number if you find some specs you like. The 3-MD-HC I have comes in several versions. 120V and 230V also. I have the 1/12 HP version.
SS



Main site

http://www.lgpc.com/index.aspx

MD pumps. Check out the CRC (chemical resistance chart) It has some good info.

http://www.lgpc.com/MagDrive/index.aspx?TypeID=4

[hurricaneracing]

Yep I got the 3-MD-SC they did not have the HC in stock. Now that I have actually read the book I see it is listed as GPM which when figured it is what I need. Just didnt seem to move the ano bath too much. I will try to plumb it different and see what happens with a little more head pressure?

[sswee]

How many outlets do you have?
You can restrict the outlet on the pump just don't restrict the intake. If you restrict the outlet right on the end you can boost the pressure, giving better agitation. Kind of like sticking your thumb over the end of a garden hose. The more outlets you have, the more you'll need to restrict each one. If not you'll end up with good volume which is good for cooling but not the pressure for the agitation.

What size inlet and outlet does your pump have? Mine has 3/4" in and 1/2" out.

SS

[hurricaneracing]

Same 3/4 in 1/2 out.

Right now I am using the pump for the chiller.I think its a little much, I had to restrict the flow so the water could chill. I will pick up a much smaller pump Monday for that.

I do have 1/2 CPVC run in the tank with about 20 1/16 holes that seems to agitate pretty well with a transfer pump I have. It is about 300 GPH but got tired of listening to it.

[sswee]

By my calculations, your volume or flow should be almost a third of what the pump is rated for. You could open a few up to an eighth for better agitation and still keep the volume down for the chiller.
SS