How strong of a return pump?

[Zoa Junkie]

I'm having a difficult time figuring out how strong of a return pump to buy. This is my first attempt with a bigger tank as I've always had AIO tanks. So my tank is a 57g tank and Ive read that the rule of thumb is you get a return pump that is 10x the equivalent to your tank. So from the return pump into the return, it will be about 3 feet from bottom to the top. Im looking at getting a Sicce return pump which is rated 568gph, will that work or do i need to get a little bit stronger pump?

 

[mayday610]

Hey Zoe! I take it you are looking at the Sicce Syncra 2.0 Yes this pump is rated at 568gph but that is the base rateing. If you look at the flow chart they supply, you will see that at 3 foot of head pressure the pump has a flow rate of only 423gph! There are many other factors as well that will further reduce the flow rate. Take into cosideration and other length of tubing, bends, and nozzles that will all produce fricton and further reduce your flow rate! Depending on what type of return set up you are doing, ( a single open end pipe return, a closed loop with multiple return jets, etc...) all will factor into the flow rate of your pump. I would def look into a bigger pump with a flow rate slightly over what you are looking to achieve. You can always, (which i like to do with my returns) is add a shut off valve in the return line so that you can adjust the flow by turning it down if thats what you desire. Its always better to have a pump thats a bit bigger than spending the money on one that you realize later is not big enough for the job after its installed! Hope my opinions help!

 

[mcarroll]

That 10x idea might not be so bad as a rule of thumb. I think if you pick based on that and the pumps nominal rating, more often than not I bet it works out about right.

Specifically, 3x-4x of your display turnover in gallons per hour through your filter is the general recommendation. So on average, I bet head pressure probably does eat about 60%-70% of any given pump's theoretical (or nominal) flow rate, if you follow me. But that's all theoretical.

Whatever rule of thumb and plumbing layout you want to follow, you want to end up with about 250-350 gph actually flowing through your sump when it's all said and done. More is always possible, but usually unnecessary. (Same flow-through rate on your skimmer too, BTW.)

Your choice in the Syncra 2.0 should (based on Sicce's published flow curve) work out fine unless you plan to do something unusual with your return plumbing. Keep it simple!

With any luck you're buying the pump from a LFS who will let you switch to a bigger or smaller pump if it seems like your first choice isn't going to cut it. I honestly don't see your current pick being a problem though.

Good luck!

-Matt