Return Pump Size for 120 Gallon Reef Tank

[Cakeboy]

Please give some input: I am currently setting up a 120 gallon reef tank. I have had a 90 gallon for almost 10 years decided to add to the madness.

My issue is the return pump. I have just completed all the pumping for the tank it is a custom tank with 6 returns jets. 3 on each side of the tank. 2 returns from the main overflow and and then 2 more on each side. i have attached pictures to show the set-up.

Picture 1 is back of tank showing the 2 returns on left and right sides of tank.
Pictures 2-4 showing returns plumped on inside of tank.
Picture 5 plumping for returns on back on tank

I attached 2 - 1050gph Triton 4 pumps to each side of the tank (3 returns each) but it does not seem like enough pressure between the 3 returns.

Any suggestions?? Do i need larger return pumps??

 

[capt85]

This sounds simple but if it doesn't feel like enough you could add more but then again you don't want the water rushing through your sump to quickly.

Also is this a closed loop? If not are you not worried about the lower returns siphoning half your tank to the sump?

 

[MarineDepot]

Based on Gallons per hour, even with head pressure, you're still well above required flow rates. I know flow rates can vary, but you only need around 3-5 times for filtration. Anything more than that would just add additional flow. When you say it's not enough, what seems to be lacking? Not enough flow in the tank or not even gph moving through the system?

If you seem to be loosing a lot of flow, you may wish to check your plumbing. Are there many elbows or bends that could be putting head pressure on the lines? How do you have the pumps connected? What size are the tubes on the pumps and the fittings in the aquarium?

Feel free to provide a little more info and hopefully we can help you out.

Chris

 

[Cakeboy]

Maybe i am just used to the one 1050gph pump on my 90 tank with one return jet. it seems the pressure pushing through 3 returns in slowing it down. there are elbows in the plumbing which is plumbed from the submersible pump into a 1" pipe then into 3/4 pipe and loc-line for the returns. as for the lower returns draining back out, i have installed check valves on them.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Maybe i am just used to the one 1050gph pump on my 90 tank with one return jet. it seems the pressure pushing through 3 returns in slowing it down. there are elbows in the plumbing which is plumbed from the submersible pump into a 1" pipe then into 3/4 pipe and loc-line for the returns. as for the lower returns draining back out, i have installed check valves on them.

I hope you made them really easy to remove and replace? Like unions on either side of the valves. You'll want to clean them regularly or they won't work very well. They won't need cleaning as often while the tank is new, but when it's really matured (a year or more) you want to clean them every month or two. They get clogged with critters that make tiny skeletons (tubes) that will stop the valve from closing all the way. I'd suggest you consider a spare set of check valves so when you pull one set to soak in vinegar over night, you have a second set to put back in right away. I'd be willing to guess that most reefers would tell you not to use them at all.

 

[Jlobes]

I hope you made them really easy to remove and replace? Like unions on either side of the valves. You'll want to clean them regularly or they won't work very well. They won't need cleaning as often while the tank is new, but when it's really matured (a year or more) you want to clean them every month or two. They get clogged with critters that make tiny skeletons (tubes) that will stop the valve from closing all the way. I'd suggest you consider a spare set of check valves so when you pull one set to soak in vinegar over night, you have a second set to put back in right away. I'd be willing to guess that most reefers would tell you not to use them at all.

+1 I would not trust my entire tank and its inhabitants, and my house floor to a single check valve. They are known to fail at all the wrong moments. Not sure if your tank came that way or you modified it to be so. But, I would agree with Ron, clean those valves often.