Helpful Tips for System Setup and Maintanence

Pump Priming

• Never turn a pump on dry, not even for a moment! This will cause immediate seal damage. The pump intake must be flooded/primed before the pump is turned on.
• Always ensure the sump water level is at least 4 inches above the top of the pump.
• When the pump is installed above the water level, a priming basket and flapper check valve must be used. The check valve should be installed just above the water surface. The priming basket and intake lines must be filled with water before turning the pump on. If the priming basket does not hold water, ensure the check valve is properly installed.

System Installation

• Always install ball valves after the intake and discharge unions of the pump. This will allow for easy pump removal and maintanence. The discharge ball valve can also be used as a flow control to achieve any desired flow rate without harming the pump.
• Never reduce the main manifold to less than 1/2 inch size smaller than the pump is designed for. For example, a 3" inlet/outlet pump should be reduced to no less than a 2 1/2" main manifold. Reducing the main manifold by 1/2 inch will reduce the optimal flow, but will not harm the pump. To obtain optimal flow rates always use a full size manifold.
• For return manifolds which require smaller piping, a closed loop designed should be used to minimize the reduction in flow. The key to optimum flow through a return manifold is for the area of the smaller return lines to be equal to or greater than the area of the main manifold pipe. For example, if the main manifold of a system is 2", it would be necessary to have sixteen 1/2", eight 3/4", or four 1" return lines; for a 3" main manifold it would be necessary to have thirty six 1/2", sixteen 3/4", or nine 1" return lines.
• Always use a Dolphin Bio-Mechanical Intake Manifold in the sump or pond to prevent fish and pump-damaging debris from being sucked into the pump. Not only will this protect the pump, but it will also create excellent biological filtration. The reticulated foam filters of the Bio-Mechanical Intake Manifold are designed to provide a surface for beneficial microorganisms to grow. When used with the Dolphin Balanced Nutrient System, the result is exceptional water quality.
• For maximum system silence an anti-vibration pad should be installed under the pump. Also, after the intake and discharge ball valves, install a 1 to 2 foot section of flexible PVC leading to rigid plumbing. This will minimize vibration noise from your pump to your system.
• Use flexible PVC in closed loop systems which follow indirect surfaces, such as ponds, water returns on hills, through floors, etc.

System Maintanence

   Water changes can be quite harmful to a system's biological balance, making it impossible to achieve superior water quality. Even small water changes, as little as 10%, although well tolerated by most fish, are inhibitory to the delicate microorganisms which maintain healthy balanced systems. To eliminate water changes, use a semi-closed system. This can be done by adding one or more surface drains and a 1/4" line of constant incoming water (freshwater or saltwater; dependant upon the system) controlled by a mini ball valve, spigot, or tap. The incoming water flow rate should be no more than a fast dribble. Having a constant drain coupled with constant incoming water allows for pheromones, which are not responsive to biological assimilation, but will not be detrimental to the system's biological balance. Do not worry about incoming water Ph or chlorine. At such a slow incoming rate the organisms in the system water will maintain the water balance; no chemical additives are needed.

Pump Repairs

   Pump seals installed by owners and service providers are NOT guaranteed by Dolphin. The liability falls upon the installer. It is recommended that all Dolphin Pumps be sent to Dolphin for seal replacement and repairs. Dolphin Pump seals are installed using special primers and are machine pressed into alignment by certified Dolphin employees. A professional seal replacement includes routine motor maintenance at no added cost. All Dolphin Pumps come with a nine year extended factory service guarantee, under which the customer only pays wholesale cost for parts and shipping. We do not charge for labor. Under extended warranty, if a pump is found to be non-repairable, a factory refurbished or new unit will be offered at a discount price.