Pump volume and my aqua size.

[Mark Novack]

Is 1320-3250 gallon per hour pump to big for a 170 gallon? Maybe I should be using something in the 700-2000 gallon per hour? I suspect I may have been turning it over far too much. I have good current in the aquarium with three tunze. Should I get the smaller pump? It would also be a stupid waste of electricity to overpower it.

 

[MnFish1]

Its a little unclear:

1. Are you talking about a return pump from a sump? If so - how 'high' is the 'head'
2. Depending on the answer, realize that the actual flow is going to be less than the listed flow (unless the pump is actually sitting in the tank)
3. Part of the answer is the dimensions of the tank (ie - tall long, short)

If you measure the distance the water needs to be pumped - most pumps have charts that describe the flow at various 'head' distances - that will give you a much better idea as to which pump would be best. IMHO - the more flow - the better in a reef tank - though with more soft corals - it can sometimes be too much. If you buy a pump with adjustable flow - you can control that yourself.

Hope this helps. (PS - which pumps were you considering)?
Good luck with your tank