Circulation VS. High Pressure

[jun_celis]

What's the difference?

[laud]

I can answer, but know that what I say I learned here. So, be warned. LOL

High pressure pumps are rated to be able to pump a certain amount of water at a certain height. Like from a basement to a roof for example. 0' @ 3000 gph, 30' @ 2500 gph.

Hope I am right and that it helps.
Michael

[jun_celis]

Circulation pump has those ratings too. For example: Gen X Pump
Model GPH Max
Head
Fittings Watts
PCX-30 825 14.5 ft 3/4" MPT 100
PCX-40 1190 22 ft 3/4" MPT 110
PCX-100 1550 29 ft 1" MPT 360
PCX-150 2131 40 ft 1" MPT 480
PCX-55 1140 26.2 1" MPT 170
PCX-70 1537 31.8 1" MPT 180

So what's the difference?

[cnaegler]

laud's right. A high pressure pump is designed to pump the water to a higher head[heighth] and keep it's flow, i.e., a return from a basement and such and a low pressure/high flow is for a low to moderate head , i.e., closed loop.

[Tom Fay]

Just figure out what head pressure vs. how much flow you'll need. If your sump is in your tank stand and you'll only have about 6-8 feet of head pressure and won't need a high head pump, those are for going from the basement up to your tank or something and use more electricity. Here's link to a head pressure calc that will help you decide:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/5/aafeature2

also the pump manufactures have pressure curves of each model.

[sjm817]

Its just a rating. Pressure rated pumps have the ability to deliver flow with high back pressure. All The Gen-X pumps you listed are suitable as "high pressure" pumps.

[rlabriola]

a lot of closed loop pumps because they are low pressure/high flow, use a low speed motor that saves noise and energy.