Recirculating pump question

[A#1]

Building a recirculating sluice, and its time to get a pump.

I want 120 volts, so I was intending to start with a 3000gph, 6.4 amp sump pump from Harbor Freight, but while I was looking i noticed a 4500gph waterfall pump running at 2.45 amps.

I'll be running off an inverter at times, so I would prefer the lower amperage.

Is there any reason i shouldnt use the waterfall pump?

thanks

 

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[Goldwasher]

I would go for it more water and head lift is better.

Plus it will use less amps for battery/inverter use

 

[Capt Nemo]

I found a cheapie low flow AC fountain pump I was going to use for my distillation condensers. Found out the head on it is barely over 12-15". Still works but you have to prime the pump and condenser before you insert it into the system. So not all AC fountain pumps have high head. The sump pump should have at least 9-15' of head which should be more than enough for recirc.

 

[Goldwasher]

a 4500 gph waterfall pump will have a max head of about 20 feet

I just set up a three tub recirc for a customer using one.

With the discharge about 3.5 to 4 feet above the intake it was running great. right around 45 gpm using some flex hose at 1.75 in to 2" abs

 

[Bonaro]

You are looking at a 30% increase in work while using less than 1/2 the energy
I would be suspicious of the pumps actual performance

I just looked at a few pumps on lowes.com. they have one rated 4400 GPH and it pulls 6.3 amps

 

[A#1]

Thanks for the input

I think i'm gonna go with the cheap sump pump for now, itshould get me set up and running for a while anyhow. long enough to gauge interest for everyone.

And, It'll keep me plenty under budget for upgrades or additional stuff I may want.....or other hobbies

 

[Reed Lukens]

It really depends on the width of your sluice and what you're using for riffles. Not all pumps are the same and even though a 3000gph sump pump says 6.4 amps, it's going to be more like 12amps. If your running a 10" wide sluice then 3600 is good. For an 8" wide 2000+ is normal. Most 2000 gph pumps say 6 to 7.5amps but they will blow every 7.5amp fuse that you put in... Plus if it's a recirc, then you will gain more amps as the water gets muddier.

 

[QNCrazy]

Ive been using the 2600 gph HF for several years. I use my $60 honeywell 1000w generator to power it.

 

[A#1]

The sluice is a LeTrap, and I really cant comment on the muddy water yet.

I plan to wash through a sifter, so it will get somewhat cleaned before the sluice, and I'll only have a 5 gallon bucket full, maybe two.

 

[Goldwasher]

The sluice is a LeTrap, and I really cant comment on the muddy water yet.

I plan to wash through a sifter, so it will get somewhat cleaned before the sluice, and I'll only have a 5 gallon bucket full, maybe two.

Yea go with as much flow as you can get if it's a le trap

 

[RTR]

For what its worth...This little recirculating system is using a 600gph pump and delivers plenty of water.

 

[mendoAu]

You might re-think that 120v pump. You mentioned at times that you will be using an inverter and they use up battery juice to convert power. If you go with a 12v (walmart, etc. type) deep cycle fully charged should last a few hours maybe four on a warm day with one of many cheap pumps. If you step up to a REAL deep cycle you'll be spend over a couple of hundred each but will last you a looooong time and deliver great power. Nice thing about using a 12v (or two 6v's) is that you don't need anything else out in the woods or any 120v power source. When you are near 120v use a battery charger/deep cycle and sluice away..

p.s.: stick with a submersible pump