Breaking down a multi tank 300 gal system. Bought a new 125 gal (72x18x22) and wanted to get opinions on how much pump I need for the dual returns only? Gonna run my protein skimmer and reactors off a second pump. Thanks for your suggestions!
What size return pump?
- Thread starter bbreda52
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Reef2Javi
Active Member
1200-1450 is the range you want to go for. Personally I recommend the Waveline DC6000. Extremely quiet, strong, and it has a remote to control how the flow rate of the pump. But yeah all in all youre going to need at least 1200. Good luck with the build!
Reef2Javi
Active Member
I buy the majority of my corals from frag swaps, shows, and friends. I also trade a lot. Every now and then I order pieces online. You should check out World Wide Corals. Victor always has stunning pieces as well as Jason Fox. You should also check out Cherry Corals, BSA Corals, Battlecorals, Gonzos corals, just to name a few.
I try to maintain 5x the display turnover after headloss with the return pump as long as the sump is big enough for that velocity without carrying mcrobubbles back to the display. You start getting much larger than that and you run into loud overflows, poor skimming and not enough retention time in the sump to offgas bubbles. Today you can get DC variable speed pumps pretty reasonable though so you could go a little larger and dial it down.
Powerheads or wavemakers are cheap and much more energy efficient to make up the rest of the circulation in the display
Powerheads or wavemakers are cheap and much more energy efficient to make up the rest of the circulation in the display
I always recommend 10x turnover with your return pump. Provides better mechanical filtration through filter socks, chemical media, etc. The DC pumps are really nice and pretty affordable just make sure after calculating head pressure you are getting about 10x turnover per hour. Also, when calculating head pressure you have to take into account any turns, splits, etc as that will increase the head pressure
The dwell time in the sump or lower velocity is to allow the microbubbles to rise to the surface and dissipate. Dwell time does exist and is important, you need it to off gas the entrained air.
