Need water pump for bethlehem PM2D

[Zardoz]

I am looking for a water pump and hoses for a reasonable price but am not sure where to start, any advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

[mer]

it's just an aquarium powerhead and airline hosing. some people use surgical tubing but it's nice tone able to visually confirm that you have flow.

[Zardoz]

it's just an aquarium powerhead and airline hosing. some people use surgical tubing but it's nice tone able to visually confirm that you have flow.

Thanks that's sort of what I assumed but I wasn't sure if that would be powerful enough. The kit that is meant for it cost like 200 which seemed a little excessive.

[hngntuf]

Get one at Lowes or Casa Depot. Doesn"t require a big one. <$25 if your torch isn't 10' above your water supply.

Stephen

[somewhere]

A short piece of glass tubing with a ribbon inside makes a great site glass to know your water is pumping. Also a closed container such as an old cooler helps stop evaporation and keeps debris out.

[MikeyMan]

I use an aquarium/garden pump from Harbor Freight. I got it on sale, and it was $30/$40 bucks. It was definately larger then I needed too. I have my water tank under my bench, so with only a 3-4 ft rise, it still delivers more flow then needed. To help with flow, I use an oversized clear tube from the pump to the torch, then an average size for the return line. But hose diameter really may not make a big difference over such a short run.

[Firekist]

the cheapest smallest pumps out there don't really work, as they can't push against the height/through the hose.

if you go to a local pet supply, you will probably pay more for the pump than online, but, if you get one that's too small, you can return it more easily for the larger version.. that's what happened to me. :bangHead:

i also recommend the sealed container, even caulk around the holes you drill for the hoses. and don't forget antifreeze if you have any risks of freezing. (lots of antifreeze) :bangHead:

when you hook up your pump for the first time, turn the torch upsidedown to get all the air bubbles out of the cooling jacket. if you make sure your return hose stays submerged, you don't have to do this every time you start up the torch. prolly not really necessary, but.. it will work better that way.

yay..
===seth

[zip]

This is the pump I use with my pm2d.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400-GPH-SUBMERSIBLE-WATER-PUMP-GALLONS-PER-HOUR-HYDROPONICS-xtreme-cap-fountain-/120768815065?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1e61dfd9

[Zardoz]

Thanks guys all helpful stuff.