Marineland 180 return pump

[143MPCo]

Got this from their site "700-750 gph is the recommended flow rate for all of our corner overflows." so 1500 total, what's the size of the barb end on you returns?

The reason I ask is it looks like you reduced it down to 3/4" and that restriction could be why your not facing issues current. I stand by my original post if that's indeed the case, I think you'll be fine!

 

[mcarroll]

Recommended..."recommended maximum", I think. You're going to be wearing earmuffs and a raincoat to tolerate those drains running at 1700gph of actual flow.

In most cases, 2x to 4x your display's volume of actual flow should be adequate.

Here's my math for the OP:

180 gallons
x2
=360 gph

x4
=720 gph​

Again, that is not a flow rating, but actual, measured flow. An estimate is good, but remember it's only an estimate, so be conservative. And you might argue for going to x5 flow (900 gph) just because things tend to clog up and slow down over time. More than that in an ordinary situation just seems like a waste to me.

If anything...if it were me...I'd throttle back the return flow - possibly to one pump.

If you have any doubt about the flow in your display, don't use return flow to deal with it. Get a powerhead (or get a better powerhead).

I also agree with the previous poster....making any elective changes right before going out of town is bad juju. Wait til later.

 

[shoelaceike]

Got this from their site "700-750 gph is the recommended flow rate for all of our corner overflows." so 1500 total, what's the size of the barb end on you returns?

The reason I ask is it looks like you reduced it down to 3/4" and that restriction could be why your not facing issues current. I stand by my original post if that's indeed the case, I think you'll be fine!

Yes it is 3/4 inch into 3/4 tubing.....thanks!

 

[shoelaceike]

Recommended..."recommended maximum", I think. You're going to be wearing earmuffs and a raincoat to tolerate those drains running at 1700gph of actual flow.

In most cases, 2x to 4x your display's volume of actual flow should be adequate.

Here's my math for the OP:

180 gallons
x2
=360 gph

x4
=720 gph​

Again, that is not a flow rating, but actual, measured flow. An estimate is good, but remember it's only an estimate, so be conservative. And you might argue for going to x5 flow (900 gph) just because things tend to clog up and slow down over time. More than that in an ordinary situation just seems like a waste to me.

If anything...if it were me...I'd throttle back the return flow - possibly to one pump.

If you have any doubt about the flow in your display, don't use return flow to deal with it. Get a powerhead (or get a better powerhead).

I also agree with the previous poster....making any elective changes right before going out of town is bad juju. Wait til later.

Thanks.... I wasn't concered about tank flow or anything like that.... Simply pushing out more water then what is able to go down

 

[mcarroll]

Thanks.... I wasn't concered about tank flow or anything like that.... Simply pushing out more water then what is able to go down

Double check me on the pump statistics, but I think even the QO 4000 is more than adequate to the task. (Even the QO 2200 should give enough for 2x) For sure only one of the two pumps should be needed.

I'd use a gallon jug on the return nozzle to time the flow rate so you know for sure.

 

[wpeterson]

I'd underscore the advice: don't make any plumbing changes before vacation!

However, if you want to make it super safe when you get back, lower your return flow to only what one of your two drains can handle so you know you have redundancy if one drain fails.

 

[shoelaceike]

Should I remove filter socks before I leave?

 

[wpeterson]

Probably not, but it depends on how long you're gone.

It takes about 7 days for a filter sock to get pretty clogged in my system, so if I'm gone for > 10 days I might not leave a filter sock on unless someone can come over and change it at the one week mark.

How long does it take for your socks to get clogged? Do they overflow gracefully when they do? Can someone else come swap it for you?

 

[shoelaceike]

For me it takes about 4 days for it to get about 3/4 clogges which is when i change them. I will be gone for about 5 days. I can't have anyone change them as its a bit of a complicated process....

I'm only concerned that is will stuff up enough to slow down the drain and then overflow the dt.....lol thinking about everything....