closed loop pump question shallow reef tank

[chandler]

I'm doing a closed loop on my new tank. Tank is 50" long x 32" wide x 17" high about 117 gallons. I drilled 4 holes for a 1" bulb head and 1 1.5" hole for drain. I know closed loops require a relatively strong pump. What gph should I be aiming for? Was looking at the diablo dc5500 and dc10500 like the controllable idea. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[SeymourDuncan]

what return pump will you be using?
i shoot for a total flow of 30x tank volume or more. I have used the "standard flow rate" which some say is only 10x but it seems to be more of a pain. Some of my corals loved the low flow but the algae did more. 30x-70x is much harder to collect detritus. If you can accomplish this with a controlled pump making waves you would have a heck of a clean tank!

 

[chandler]

My return pump is about, 1050-1150 after 4' I wanted slower water flow through my sump and was gonna rely on my closed loop for movement in the tank.

 

[chandler]

And thank you for the response

 

[SeymourDuncan]

I would try something heavy duty. Reeflo makes huge pumps for closed loops


"Live like tomorrow already happened. Yesterday is only 3 days ahead. Today will be here soon."

 

[Reefing Madness]

All depends on the flow you are looking for. If your breakin it up into 4 individual returns I agree with SD, I'd go with a Reeflo. Your probably looking for roughly 4000gph+ aftet head loss and the fact its being broken into 4.