Too many people try to get all their tank turnover rate through their sump. I would definately shoot for the amount that Invigor has stated. Also, there have been discussions that a slower flow in the area the skimmer draws from is better, similar to what you said. I have a tank the samp size as you, only with a smaller sump and I only put about 600gph through it, I make up the rest with my closed loop.
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120 Reef 20 DIY sump
500watts 14k MH with 220watts actinic vho
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