Need Ops on getting a larger return pump.(improve flow thru a large sump)

[cracker]

Is around 100 gph increase in return size a big deal?
So I have a sicce 3 return on my 75. I have plenty of flow in tank display but when it enters a larger sump. It slows to a crawl this sicce3 delivers "roughly" 600 gph most likely less .it has a a couple of 90's & using the hose barb on the
47 by 15 ". If I go to a sicce 4 I gain about 100 gph to 700 gph This all in the effort to improve a sorry refugium . I plan to reconfigure some baffles to make the refugium bigger ,get more flow thru it & a much better light which I already have in mind. I'd like Your Op's on this & removing a wave maker if necessary I have in the disply , However I'm not feeling well & going to bed !
Good Night & thanks !

 

[TheEngineer]

It's always been my understanding that you want slow flow through a refugium so the algaes have an opportunity to absorb nutrients. That said, whatever flow you're getting in your tank, you are getting through your fuge

If you just want more movement in the fuge itself, I can think of two free (or mostly free) options instead of needing to get a new pump:

1. Tee off of your return line with a valve and recycle water back into the fuge. People typically do this to slow down an oversized return pump. You've probably got most of the parts to do this laying around.

2. Put a small power head in your fuge. If you have any tiny power heads laying around, you could just plop it in that section and you'll get lots of new turn over. It will probably blow a lot of gunk out at first, so you might want to clean the fuge before adding either of these options.

 

[Dsnakes]

I hope you’re feeling better this morning.

I have had this same thought with my return pump. I felt like my sump was cryptic until I housed some fish in there and saw the current.

I agree with @TheEngineer on added a small powerhead to keep things moving if needed. It can also help keep detritus from settling and building up.

 

[Wen]

I vote to go bigger.

My 150 has the same problem, ok flow in display and very slow flow through fuge.
(Tried the power head option for years, while it worked, it was a hassle keeping it debris free.)

Last week I upgraded my pump system. Now, with more gph I plumbed in a uv, have better fuge flow and display water is circulating better.

The bigger pump would give you the option to add low flow equipment while boosting flow through the sump.

You could try TheEngineer’s suggestions first and go from there.

 

[roberthu526]

I have a 400G system and my return rate is just a little over 900. My experience as long as you can turn the water over twice an hour it’s fine.

 

[cracker]

Ok Well Thanks for the op's I will hold off on a larger return for now & try a power head in the refugium to clean out the gunk. I "think " I have an old maxijet somewhere in a box . Prob is I have a bunch of boxes of fish related stuff !
I really want to cut out these poorly placed baffles that just ate up a lot of space . These baffle are overkill for the flow I have now & the return section is twice as large as necessary. This was is My 1st big acrylic build & I was proud of it. I'll try an oscillating cutter . for this.
But alas, like everything in this hobby there is always something that needs tweeking . This pic shows all the crud & wasted space to the right of the tiny ref. also the way too big return section. I can add a good 7 or 8 inches of length .