How much flow through your refugium?

[Hitman]

I know triton recommendation is 10x display volume, but for those of us not using the full triton method what are you running through your sump?

I have a 240 gallon display with a 55 gallon sump with a Sicce Syncra SDC 9.0 return pump running at 52% in reefcrest mode. So approximately 1200 gph with headloss. Chaeto grows like weeds, skimmer pulls out dark and nasty poop, and everything looks good.

What’s everyone doing?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I've always used a high return rate.
Easy cheap , one or two less powerheads(closed loop style).
I didn't know about triton when I did it.

I'm around 10x but the variable pump will do 15x.

 

[Hitman]

I’m figuring I’m at about 5x I would have to go to full power to run 10x.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I’m figuring I’m at about 5x I would have to go to full power to run 10x.

If it ain't broke , don't fix it!

Can't wait to hear what others are doing too!

 

[Hitman]

Black Friday shopping online now lol
The list consists of:
Reefkeeper Lite. ( can’t pass it up for $90 from BRS )
Tunze 3155 Osmolater
And still Gyre shopping.
Oh and hiding the list from the wife lol

 

[ca1ore]

Main return pump at 1,440; display is 400 actual gallons (measured from internal dimensions but not adjusted for displacement) - so a little over 3x. Never have heard a really cogent argument for going any higher.

 

[mfinn]

When I first started using a sump on my display tank 25+ years ago, I thought I needed to push as much volume through, as the drains would allow.
I figured I needed the extra flow. But after a couple small disasters, and problems with noise, power consumption, and others, I learned to slow it down to about 5x the display tank volume.

 

[Newb73]

10x is the standard but a lot of us run much lower.

I figure im at about 3x to 5x.

I about to upgrade to DC return pumps and install inline flow monitors on both lines.

I intend to vary the flow somewhat throghout the day and increase it a bit...how much i don't know....probably in the 6 to 9 range.

 

[ca1ore]

Wonderful thing about 'standards' is that there are so many to choose from .......

 

[Mini Coop]

Great thread - I am trying to figure this out myself. I have a 180 tank, but I will have a 44 long 1/2 full with the filter socks and protein skimmer. Then I will have a 100 gallon horse trough with 50 lb of live rock and about 50 gal water in it as well as my refugium. So, total volume will be about 300 gal. Still trying to figure out flow in the tank.
Looking at the Gyre x250 plus 2 mp40's
pan world 200ps rated for 1750gph, but I will have it operating at about a 16' head height. So . . . I have no idea where I am going to end up - but probably on the 5-8x range?

 

[Salty1962]

I guess allot of it depends on your sump setup and what you're trying to achieve. I would say if you had a fuge built into your sump then @ 5x. Reason being is that any faster and you're not fully utilizing the macro element of your sump because water is flowing through it too quickly. If you don't have a fuge, etc., in your sump I would say the @ 10x would be ok. I read a few years ago, can't find the publish, that 5x return is the most constructive. JMO

 

[ca1ore]

I would say if you had a fuge built into your sump then @ 5x. Reason being is that any faster and you're not fully utilizing the macro element of your sump because water is flowing through it too quickly.

That's not really passing the common sense test for me. Sort of like saying high flow in the display prevents corals from getting the nutrients they need. Go for 5x or 10x .... or 100 x if you want. Don't think it matters one way or the other ..... it's just unnecessary.

 

[Idoc]

Flow rate in my DT = 33x
Turnover rate thru sump = 4x

 

[Hitman]

Flow rate in my DT = 33x
Turnover rate thru sump = 4x

That’s close to where I am.

That's not really passing the common sense test for me. Sort of like saying high flow in the display prevents corals from getting the nutrients they need. Go for 5x or 10x .... or 100 x if you want. Don't think it matters one way or the other ..... it's just unnecessary.

If I went over 10x the water would move past the skimmer so fast the efficiency would be close to zero I’m my opinion. I personally chose 5x as that’s where I feel I get the best skimmer performance.

 

[ca1ore]

That’s close to where I am.

If I went over 10x the water would move past the skimmer so fast the efficiency would be close to zero I’m my opinion. I personally chose 5x as that’s where I feel I get the best skimmer performance.

...... and that's the other perpetuated myth of sump turnover LOL (have attempted to debunk it for years on that other site). There is no relationship between skimmer performance and sump flow. I happen to think 5x is a sensible target to ensure even heating and good surface skimming, but your skimmer isn't going to care one way or the other.

 

[Salty1962]

...... and that's the other perpetuated myth of sump turnover LOL (have attempted to debunk it for years on that other site). There is no relationship between skimmer performance and sump flow. I happen to think 5x is a sensible target to ensure even heating and good surface skimming, but your skimmer isn't going to care one way or the other.

So you have your system at 5x? Why?

 

[ca1ore]

Not even at 5 ...... more like 3.5 (1,450/400). More than sufficient to effect good surface skimming and heating between sump and display. What other function is there? For me to go much higher would mean a significant bump in electric usage, and likely a loss of pump reliability.

 

[Koaleigh]

Hmmm, some interesting information and opinions here, and I came to this thread as I've just started wondering what my sump turnover should be as I have never actually tested it, I have a hang on the back overflow so I just have the return pump dialed down to accommodate the maximum drain flow. My main concern about flow rate up until now is making sure the water is heated sufficiently. I am planning on drilling my 125 gallon tank soon that drains to a 20 gallon sump, plus I'm planning on adding a 40 gallon display refugium to the system soon as well.
It'll be interested to test my current turnover just out of curiosity, but once I start changing my system I'll have to give my turnover rate much more serious consideration.

 

[lordraptor1]

I dont get it, how can you have a higher flow rate than your overflow is rated? Example, 150 gallon marineland cornerflow drain is rated 700 to 750 gph anything over the rating could end up with empty sump burned up pump and flooded floor.

 

[Mattman1977]

I dont get it, how can you have a higher flow rate than your overflow is rated? Example, 150 gallon marineland cornerflow drain is rated 700 to 750 gph anything over the rating could end up with empty sump burned up pump and flooded floor.

Depends on your overflow type and pipe size.

Matt