I have a 29 g tank setting up a 20 g sump i have a 1inch overflow and about a 3ft head height for the return. looking at pumps with between 271 to 382 gph would this be enough for a return pump or should i go higher? Any brands better then others? Thanks
Return pump
- Thread starter drizzle21
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I'm a big fan of Sicce pumps. I usually shoot for 3-5x system volume turnover per hour with a return pump. In your case, figure about 40 gallon system(rock displacement and sump operating depth subtracted). You could get away with 120-200 GPH(adjusted for head pressure) with your return pump. This would fall into either a Sicce 1.5 or 2.0 for your application. The majority of your flow should come from either circulation pumps, closed loop, surge system, etc.
If you go with a 2.0, you should still have plenty of GPH for your return
Just avoid having a manifold off of your return pump as that adds a tremendous amount of head pressure.
Mini Coop
Valuable Member
I am actually looking for return pumps right now - not sure if you want internal or external, but http://bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd_chart.html here is the chart. You would need the smallest or second smallest one! I like these 
Hope this helps.
With 2 elbows, try to make them 45 instead of 90 degrees if you can. If not, I would go for more like 400-500 gph to help with flow.
Hope this helps. With 2 elbows, try to make them 45 instead of 90 degrees if you can. If not, I would go for more like 400-500 gph to help with flow.
TyI am actually looking for return pumps right now - not sure if you want internal or external, but http://bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd_chart.html here is the chart. You would need the smallest or second smallest one! I like these
With 2 elbows, try to make them 45 instead of 90 degrees if you can. If not, I would go for more like 400-500 gph to help with flow.
