Return pump flow.

[fishybizzness]

So my sump has been up for about a week now and I have a Neptune flow meter in line. My flow fluctuates between 352 and 356 gph on my mag 7 pump. Is that normal for the gph to swing that much?

 

[rtparty]

I would say 4gph probably falls in line with margin of error. There is no chance anything can tell the difference between 352 and 356gph.

 

[fishybizzness]

I was getting a little worried but that's the life of a noob!! Lol

 

[fishybizzness]

I have a 55 gallon display and a 30 long sump with about 20 gallons in it. Is that good flow or too much?

 

[theMeat]

On a 55 gal that’s about 6x an hour turnover, so imo perfect
You could get the same flow with an eheim or jebao with a fraction of the heat

 

[Tautog]

The more flow the better. Every additional turn, valve, meter, UV, or split reduces flow. My return pump is rated for 1400 gph, but I’m lucky to get 1000 gph. I don’t know the formula, but I’m sure there’s one.

 

[fishybizzness]

That's the problem I'm having, the heat is a bit much. I have to keep A fan on the sump to maintain a temp of 79-81

 

[fishybizzness]

What model eheim or jebao do you recommend?

 

[cracker]

The more flow the better. Every additional turn, valve, meter, UV, or split reduces flow. My return pump is rated for 1400 gph, but I’m lucky to get 1000 gph. I don’t know the formula, but I’m sure there’s one.

I also like lots of turnover thru the system. There is a chart on that other forum R something. You can even enter your pump if listed.

 

[Tautog]

That's the problem I'm having, the heat is a bit much. I have to keep A fan on the sump to maintain a temp of 79-81

Is there anything else running to create heat? A call to BRS would be an easy solution. Jmho, but they sell this stuff, and will have better answers for you

 

[fishybizzness]

Is there anything else running to create heat? A call to BRS would be an easy solution. Jmho, but they sell this stuff, and will have better answers for you

Will do

 

[mfinn]

I have a 55 gallon display and a 30 long sump with about 20 gallons in it. Is that good flow or too much?

That is all the flow you need from a return pump.
If the tank needs more flow change up the powerheads.

 

[wesman42]

It depends quite a bit on the plumbing and how long the distance of plumbing is from your pump to the tank. It would seem to me like small fluctuations are normal given the nature of the mag drive pump design.

For the math nerds, it looks logarithmic where gph on X and head length on Y.

 

[rtparty]

What model eheim or jebao do you recommend?

As far as return pumps go, budget will determine which way to go. A good DC pump is going to be close to $200. You can go with Jebao and save money. My Jebao I bought to run a temporary UV sterilizer has been good. It didn't quit in the few months I ran it but it definitely isn't quiet enough that I would consider one for my return pump and I would never rely on a Jebao as my main pump. Good backup though.

That's just my opinion. Others will disagree. Just do your research and figure out what YOU are comfortable with.

 

[theMeat]

What model eheim or jebao do you recommend?

Eheim 1260, or jebao dcp5000

The eheim will give you lil more than 350 gph at the, what i’m Guessing is 5 foot head.

The jebao is dc powered so adjustable

 

[theMeat]

The more flow the better. Every additional turn, valve, meter, UV, or split reduces flow. My return pump is rated for 1400 gph, but I’m lucky to get 1000 gph. I don’t know the formula, but I’m sure there’s one.

That’s silly
First off, for reef tank you want 20-25x gph flow within the tank, with the return pump flow being part of that equation.
As far as flow through sump...
Old proven good thinking was/is 10x. Which companies like triton and Red Sea still recommend.
Newer thinking is 3-6x. Slower flow through sump allows longer contact time with macro and skimmer, as well as less heat.

Second. If you tee off your return for other devices, it’s a guesstimate as to how much flow everything is getting

 

[fishybizzness]

I have a display sump and the run is around 3 feet from pump to tank. The pump isn't loud to me. The only problem is the heat it's giving off.

 

[theMeat]

At 3 feet head eheim 1250 could work if you want around 5x flow, which is what i’d Do.
1260 would be around 10x, which works too

Or

Jebao 5000 which is dc adjustable

 

[theMeat]

FWIW have a dozen jebao’s running on various tanks for years, with only one controller replacement needed. That’s about as good as it gets

 

[fishybizzness]

FWIW have a dozen jebao’s running on various tanks for years, with only one controller replacement needed. That’s about as good as it gets

Do they run alot cooler than the mag drive pumps?