Pump questions

RobW · Mar 21, 2019

I'm in the process of building a new 280 gallon tank. I am using all Bashsea for filtration equipment. I am going to be using an Apex to control everything. I really like the eco-tech vectra pumps especially the volume the L1 moves. I have also been contemplating the COR-20's from Neptune but they are 1000 gallon per difference from the Eco-tech L1's. I will end up with about 11 feet of head loss due to 45's, 90's, valves, etc. What's everyone's opinion on the 2 different pumps? Can I get away with the COR-20's by just adding more flow in inside the tank using stronger powerheads/wavemakers? Or should I just go with the eco-tech. Right now, I have it figured for 4 Vectra L1's. 2 for main returns with head loss will give me roughly 2800-3200 GPH to the display. The twisted skimmer requires between 1800-2600 GPH to work properly. The fourth L1 would go to a manifold to feed pellet reactor, carbon reactor, bio-reactor, etc. I know I could just run a monster sized pump to take of everything but I do not have the luxury of a remote location to put such a noisy thing. Everything will be contained under the display. Thanks for any input.

Hitman · Mar 21, 2019

I would go with the cor. You don't want your return pump to be your mate back bone for your flow it's best to use gyres, powerheads, etc to be your main tank flow/tank turn over. Most only run 2x to 5x turn over through their sump the remaining is from powerheads gyres etc. Here's a great video from brs on flow recommendation.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vide...our-reef-tanks-the-brs-wwc-system-ep10-brstv/

RobW · Mar 21, 2019

I agree about the pump not being the main backbone. I was just figuring for the head loss. I would basically need 2 L1's to get the flow of what kne was rated for. The other stuff is kind of demanding for flow as well. So in your opinion I should use the COR pumps for everything? I like the idea of having dual returns as sort of fail safe if one were to crap out I would still be turning the tank over and would have time to get a replacement. I do like that the COR's are smaller in actual size. My stand will be crowded under the tank. Here is the general layout with a little description of what things are going to be doing.