How much GPH do I need?

[MZReef120]

Hello Everyone,

I am doing a rebuild of my 120 gal (48" x 24" x 24") and all of the pumps I had before obviously don't work now (from being dormant 5+ yrs) and the spec labels are not readable anymore. So if possible can I have some recommendations on how much GPH and brands I can use for powerheads and how much GPH for the return pump. Not sure if it matters but I do plan on having a manifold setup, but still not sure of all the equipment I will run off the manifold.

 

[tdileo]

Return pump on a 120 I’d say a controllable pump that can do somewhere around 1000-1500 GPH. As for flow in tank, it’ll depend on the types of corals you want. Typical mixed reef I’d say around 7,000 GPH. SPS more like 9,000. Maxspect Gyre and Ecotech’s Vortechs (MP10 and MP40) will probably be the most popular and quality options, but there are lots of brands to choose from.

 

[MZReef120]

Return pump on a 120 I’d say a controllable pump that can do somewhere around 1000-1500 GPH. As for flow in tank, it’ll depend on the types of corals you want. Typical mixed reef I’d say around 7,000 GPH. SPS more like 9,000. Maxspect Gyre and Ecotech’s Vortechs (MP10 and MP40) will probably be the most popular and quality options, but there are lots of brands to choose from.

I want to go for a mixed reef. Thanks for the info!

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I think the general consensus is 8-10x for your return pump and then as much as you're willing to go with powerheads. That said, I've seen several videos from Reef Builders lately talking with owners that note it really isn't about the GPH in your return, but the output of your powerheads.

 

[Newb73]

I run between 3x and 5x on returns.

Vortechs give me another 10x to 20x at random intervals.

Wavs give surges by adding yet another 10x to that once every 30 minutes.

 

[mfinn]

For just a return pump flow on a 120 gallon tank you would want somewhere in the neighborhood of 5x to 6x the tank volume after head loss. So 600-725 gph.
If you plan on adding any reactors, allow the recommended flow they need. Plus add for extra head loss for the plumbing to them.

 

[mfinn]

As far as a recommended return pump, I loved my Vectra M1.

 

[chevegan]

So I'm of a different thought process. You're skimmer and fuge (if you have one coming) can only do so much work so fast. So if you're skimmer can do 1.5-2x total water volume per hour, for example, having a 5-7x water turnover is useless and expensive. Same goes for chaeto etc. I have always spent the money on turnover in tank. I'd probably get a gyre and a couple smaller tunze to keep things random. It's all up for debate of course and really it's what works for you. If cost isn't an issue any of the controllable dc return pumps are 100% the way to go simply due to the fact that you can have them on battery backup. If cost IS an issue the jaebo/jecod dc6000 pumps work well especially for the cost. The control units go out but at $13 to replace IDC. Have spares. my 2¢

 

[Mark Gray]

I will have the same size tank set up soon I bought 2 Neptune Cor 15's that I will run into a manifold so I can add a chiller and other things. I figured if 1 went down one could run it tell I can get the other fixed