Steve, this is a first. You and I disagreeing!! Wow! Anyway, I agree that anywhere between 5x and 10x thru the sump is fine, but my real point was that people shouldn't try to supply all their flow with a return pump. It seldoms does a good enough job, and they might be sacrificing other things (like skimming potential).

ah ok so you were stating the same thing I did originaly :mrgreen:

Steve

No. I was making up new (good) info. :razz:

Just to add one more reason, the higher flow you have going up and down between tank and sump also runs the risk of introducing microbubbles. Not that this is showstopper to a tank but they can be annoying if they're really bad.

[the higher flow you have going up and down between tank and sump also runs the risk of introducing microbubbles]

Tony

Whats the why and what up on that?

Dave
Edit...
how do you use the quote feature?

that is assuming your plumbing isn't up to snuf or you are running to low of a level in the sump. you can actualy tame a lot of flow depending on how you plumb your return.. I have a measured 1000gph returning through 6, 1/2" lines and it works out to just a gentle flow from each one :rolleyes:

Steve

There's a little box on the top of the message that you want to quote...then you can edit out what you don't want. :biggrin:

I see... thanks

reply
 

I personally don't believe that there should be any issue in regards to the amount of flow for a return pump from a sump. Essentially the water in the sump should be regarded as the same water as the tank, they are one unit. The issue at hand should be the amount of flow travelling through the skimmer itself, to achieve optimal contact time. The skimmer will grab the same number of protiens regardless of turnover, assuming that the minimum turnover is achieved. I agree with Steve on this one.

Re: reply
 

OK, I'm just not sure that's what Steve said. And I've read articles that counter what you "personallydon't believe", so I 'll try and dig those up.