return pump size?

mycat99 · #1 01-29-2010, 01:29 AM

i am setting up a 150 gallon tank with a 33 gallon sump .the tank is drilled for 1-1/2 inch overflow with 2 1 inch returns .there is about 4 feet from sump to top of tank .wondeering what size return pump i would need ?do i look at return pump size from head ?also what happen if you get too big of return pump?

Fishward · #2 01-29-2010, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mycat99

i am setting up a 150 gallon tank with a 33 gallon sump .the tank is drilled for 1-1/2 inch overflow with 2 1 inch returns .there is about 4 feet from sump to top of tank .wondeering what size return pump i would need ?do i look at return pump size from head ?also what happen if you get too big of return pump?

If you're worried about getting one too big, then just get a gate or ball valve on your outlet to regulate it. The only problem i can see with getting a pump too big is your flow rate in your returns will get too fast and may erode your plumbing.. also have a higher liklihood for leaks with lots of pressure on your lines.

Chase31 · #3 01-29-2010, 01:49 AM

i have high flow 300GPH in my 30G display and 5G sump, and the only problems i'v had was the sand going everyware

mark · #4 01-29-2010, 02:22 AM

don't think I'd worry about wearing out my plumbing just too big is a waste of money (bigger the pump, higher the buck). What I would suggest is look into drain options for quiet tank such as a Herbie, but needs two bulkheads, (maybe consider use the 1.5 and one 1" for drains). On mine for the return I've pushed 2000gph through a single 1" line (now ~1000gph)

For flow through sump, see suggested no more than your gph of your skimmer, to as much as you can get without causing micro-bubbles returned to display.

RC headloss calculator might give ideas

globaldesigns · #5 01-29-2010, 02:35 AM

I have a 180G with 105G sump. I have to overflows with 1.5 and returns with 1 inch. Kinda like yours.

I just replaced my return pump yesterday with a Supreme Classic Mag pump model 18. This is a 1800GPH pump replacing my OceanRunner 6500 which was a 1700GPH. Both ran fine on my tank and gave good water turnover and currents

I hope this helps

viperfish · #6 01-29-2010, 02:56 AM

I have a 180 with 1 1/2" drain and two 1" returns. I am using an Oceanrunner 6500 no restricting valve on the pump so its doing about 1800 GPH.

globaldesigns · #7 01-29-2010, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by medhatreefguy

I have a 180 with 1 1/2" drain and two 1" returns. I am using an Oceanrunner 6500 no restricting valve on the pump so its doing about 1800 GPH.

That is what I just replaced yesterday, it is 1700GPH... The problem I had with this unit was it got noisy over time. I cleaned it 2 days ago, and then it was even noisier.... So now I have the Mag pump, much quieter, but maybe I just got one built on a Monday or Friday.

RuGlu6 · #8 01-29-2010, 03:02 AM

It doesn't really matter how much flow you get from sump to the display tank. As long as you have few hundreds of gal per hour, to get enough to the skimmer you are fine.
What matters is that how much flow you have inside the display tank to accommodate the needs of your corals and get better gas exchange at the surface

viperfish · #9 01-29-2010, 03:06 AM

I replaced my two 3500's with one 6500 about 6 months ago and no issues yet, I'll keep my fingers crossed. I do have a Mag 12 running my downdraft skimmer and it is dead silent, been running for a year and a half and hasn't failed me yet. Funny thing on the OR6500, they screwed up on the LPH rating and the box says its slower than my 3500! I used my best guess on the 1800 GPH so I'll take your word on the 1700 GPH.