Return pump size

[Sgaczek]

I’m in the process of building a 120 gallon reef tank and want to know how much GPH I should be targeting to move with my return pump. My tank is a 120 gallon dual over flow. With two 3/4 return lines and 2 1 inch drain lines.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’m in the process of building a 120 gallon reef tank and want to know how much GPH I should be targeting to move with my return pump. My tank is a 120 gallon dual over flow. With two 3/4 return lines and 2 1 inch drain lines.

Sicce 3.0 or 4.0 should work

 

[nereefpat]

I would shoot for about 600 gph after total dynamic head loss. That would put you at 5x turnover through the sump per hour.

Lots of options depending on if you want submersible or external, ac or dc, price range.

 

[blaxsun]

3-5x tank turnover is a good target. I like DC pumps myself, as in addition to being cheaper to run you can just slow them down when feeding.

 

[Dburr1014]

Sicce 3.0 or 4.0 should work

That depends on where the sump is

 

[vetteguy53081]

That depends on where the sump is

Sump is right below tank based on description

 

[Dburr1014]

Sump is right below tank based on description

Oh, not sure how you got that. My sump is below my tank too, about 14 ft

 

[vetteguy53081]

Oh, not sure how you got that. My sump is below my tank too, about 14 ft

Read his description on plumbing

 

[dedragon]

i would go with an oversized dc pump and run it about 1/2 to 3/4 speed. Just sounds way better too me than my old sicce 2.0 did and pushes more water if i need

 

[Dburr1014]

Read his description on plumbing

Yes, you should.
Talks about tank, return lines, pump and dual overflows.
Nothing said about the sump being under the tank, next to the tank, basement or even in another room.
Sicce 3 or 4 may not be enough. This is what I was getting at

OP, are you planning a refuge? Or this will just be to put your equipment in?
5x is a good target. You just need to account for head loss, ie, vertical plumbing, elbows and long pipe runs.

 

[polyppal]

i would go with an oversized dc pump and run it about 1/2 to 3/4 speed. Just sounds way better too me than my old sicce 2.0 did and pushes more water if i need

Yup. If noise is a concern DC at 50-75% is worth every penny

 

[Sgaczek]

That depends on where the sump is

Sump is right behind the wall below the tank

 

[Sgaczek]

Progress so far

 

[Reefahholic]

I do about 500 GPH for 90-150 gallons.

 

[nereefpat]

Progress so far

Looks like you need a submersible pump then, and you are probably only losing a couple hundred gph from head, although that's a lot of 90 degree elbows. I would go with the ol' reliable Eheim 1262. Lots of options though, again depending on if you want AC or DC, budget, etc.

 

[DavidinGA]

I would run an Eheim 1262 or a Mag 7