Return pump flow.

theMeat · Apr 22, 2018

Would guess you’ll see at least 2 degree drop, maybe more

If you go with eheim 1050, it’s as bulletproof as the rest of eheim’s stuff, but compact design so would guess 2 degrees or less

fishybizzness · Apr 22, 2018

theMeat said:
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

I have a maxpect gyre 230 on one side at about 40%and a small koralia nano 350gph on the other side. Along with the return pump I feel I have enough flow. I'm looking to reduce the heat a little. If changing pumps would only give me a few degrees of difference I would rather just keep the fan blowing on the sump for now. That drops the temp down a few degrees. What's your opinion on this?

theMeat · Apr 22, 2018

Koralia for the amount of power/heat that it uses, to flow output, take it out. Crap.
Mag pumps are pretty much like part pump part heater and notorious for getting stuck when powered off so just don’t think it’s a good choice for saltwater, especially as a return.

Would change those two, and then you likely won’t need the fan, which causes more evap, and only gives you a couple of degrees wiggle room. Good to have that wiggle room for the summertime

fishybizzness · Apr 22, 2018

Any suggestions on good low heat powerheads?

mfinn · Apr 22, 2018

fishybizzness said:
I have a maxpect gyre 230 on one side at about 40%and a small koralia nano 350gph on the other side. Along with the return pump I feel I have enough flow. I'm looking to reduce the heat a little. If changing pumps would only give me a few degrees of difference I would rather just keep the fan blowing on the sump for now. That drops the temp down a few degrees. What's your opinion on this?

If all you have to do is use the fan to get the heat reduction you need, without having to buy another pump, then it sounds like the cheapest way to go.
But if you need more heat control this summer, look to replace the mag pump.

mfinn · Apr 22, 2018

fishybizzness said:
Any suggestions on good low heat powerheads?

Can't beat Tunze.

fishybizzness · Apr 22, 2018

I'm in the Caribbean so heat is always a factor, year round! Lol. I'm thinking long term I might have to consider changing the pump and powerhead.

rtparty · Apr 22, 2018

A koralia nano uses like 5w of electricity. It isn't adding any significant amount of heat to your tank.

theMeat · Apr 22, 2018

rtparty said:
A koralia nano uses like 5w of electricity. It isn't adding any significant amount of heat to your tank.

True, but for the amount of flow useless, especially once not new

fishybizzness · Apr 23, 2018

Thanks for all the help! This is truly a great community to be a part of!

fishybizzness · Apr 26, 2018

Just did my first water change today with my drain system. Turned off the return pump and skimmer, flipped on the valve to drain about 6 gallons out of the sump, turned on the pump in the Rubbermaid and refilled the sump to the high water line, done!! It took me about 5 minutes total. I can't believe how much easier it is than from the display tank! Btw, I used to have a dead spot in the one corner of the dt but I added a maxpect gyre 230 and the dead spot is gone!