Upgrading a pump to have no Powerheads

[James M]

getting a Nuvo 20 and was wondering if I can upgrade the pump to a high gph so I want have have a Powerhead in the tank ?

 

[VB313]

Edit: auto correct change title
getting a Nuvo 20 and was wondering if I can upgrade the pump to a high gph so I want have have a Powerhead in the tank ?

is there a reason why you don’t want a power head?
In my opinion in such a small tank if you get the biggest pump you can fit with higher gph you will probably be okay can’t hurt to try worst comes to worse ya throw a small power head in

 

[James M]

is there a reason why you don’t want a power head?
In my opinion in such a small tank if you get the biggest pump you can fit with higher gph you will probably be okay can’t hurt to try worst comes to worse ya throw a small power head in

Just wanted a really clean look

 

[VB313]

Ide try it why not

 

[James Mikell]

Get the largest pump you can fit preferably a dc pump so you can control the output and then use something like a spin stream or one of the random flow generator nozzles. Im using 2 on my tank and they create a really good pulsing type flow.

 

[James M]

Get the largest pump you can fit preferably a dc pump so you can control the output and then use something like a spin stream or one of the random flow generator nozzles. Im using 2 on my tank and they create a really good pulsing type flow.

If you don’t mine can you send me the link to the pump ?

 

[James Mikell]

I dont have a nuvo 20 but was saying just measure your return pump space and get the biggest one you can. I like the jebao dcp return pumps.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I'd say in a tank that small it can be done, but I agree that you'd want a special nozzle or something on the return to randomize flow

 

[Gareth elliott]

Look up some freshwater tanks, this is one aspect of the hobby that isnt as common on the salty side.

Many tanks Use clever backgrounds they hide all equipment.
If able to fit a dual pump, or one of those dual head pumps. Will help with any pressure loss if doing multiple returns jets to randomize more.

 

[LetItReef]

check this, along with spintream noozles.

https://m.liveaquaria.com/product/p...T_1Y81Y1th92G8PJyz429n_eqiMVUdo0aAg7ZEALw_wcB

 

[James M]

$90!!! But I appreciate the help

 

[James Mikell]

What is the max measurements of your return pump chamber?

 

[Justfebreezeit]

If you want softies and LPS definitly. The sicce 1.5 is quiet and nice

 

[James Mikell]

Looks like this pump will fit in your chamber and is a controllable dc pump.

 

[JBKReef]

How about two separate returns? I’ve seen some mods that instead of using the Y attachment they use two medium size retunes instead of one large. Added benefit to clear up some room in the return section for probes, ATO, and dosing lines.

I would definitely use random flow generators from vivid aquatics for the best random flow in the tank.

 

[James M]

If you want softies and LPS definitly. The sicce 1.5 is quiet and nice

I already keep lps and sps. I will check out your recommendation.

Looks like this pump will fit in your chamber and is a controllable dc pump.

Thank you .

How about two separate returns? I’ve seen some mods that instead of using the Y attachment they use two medium size retunes instead of one large. Added benefit to clear up some room in the return section for probes, ATO, and dosing lines.

I would definitely use random flow generators from vivid aquatics for the best random flow in the tank.

Any recommendations for 2 pumps ?

 

[Swav8tor]

Following! Just starting to cycle a IM 20. Picked it up used but in new condition, and came with the ghost skimmer. Planning on 2 Prime HD over the top for a mixed tank of sps, lps and softies. I’ve been eyeballing the sicce 1.5.

 

[James M]

Would something like this work ? IMO I don’t think it worth $70 to spend on a pump but I appreciate everyone’s recommendations.
https://www.amazon.com/Homasy-Submersible-Fountain-Aquarium-Hydroponics/dp/B01LHC8UX8

 

[Larry L]

Not sure but you might be limited by how much flow the overflow slots can handle, they are not very big. Your best bet might be to see if you can borrow a controllable pump from somebody, maybe a nearby hobbyist or LFS, then play around with the settings to see how much the returns can handle. Then you'd have an idea of what GPH rating you should be looking for in a pump, and can always restrict the outflow somewhat with a ball valve if you need to dial it back a bit.

 

[Kellie in CA]

I have the bigger MightyJet on my IM Lagoon 25, it's constantly at full speed which is 500+ GPH. No powerheads. It does the job because it's a LPS tank for the most part. Any less GPH wouldn't cut it though. I've had no problem with water levels or movement through the back chambers.