Return Pump Suggestions

[TheReefGeek]

How big is your sump going to be? Don't try to push too much of your water turnover through the return pump for numerous reasons. I would go with a much smaller pump.

[TheReefGeek]

I should elaborate on those reasons I guess!

1. Potential micro bubble problem, flow through sump is too fast to allow air bubbles to pop at the surface before hitting the return pump

2. Overflow safety/backup. I like to use two overflows and only push the volume that 1 can handle, then in case one plugs/jams up then the other one will still handle the volume

3. Try to match your pump to your skimmer flow requirement, and plumb the overflows right into the skimmer for optimal skimming efficiency.

[Funky_Fish14]

Im not sure on exact sump size yet, but likely 22" front to back, 16" tall, and im not sure of the length. Im in design stages of the main tank ATM, will probably get into stand design tonight and see what length we have to work with. Since this pump is in-line(so it seems), I will need extra length in the stand for it. Im not sure the dimensions of the pump(will be getting them soon). I will try to make the sump 30" long, it might end up around 24" however. Will likely have 12"-13" of water depth in it.

My overflow will be coast to coast style on the rear, but will be 8" from each side of the tank, and stick out 3 inches(20" is two more inches than required for 1200gph of flow), while being 4" deep. I will likely have dual 1 1/4" drain pipes for the overflow, I MIGHT go 1 1/2" if I get the larger pump size.

Actually, now that I think about it, I may increase the tank's front to back width by an inch or two, due to the overflow sticking out a bit.

I could go with the 800gph version of the pump, and still use dual squids, or use a gate/ball valve on the larger pump to hold it back(add 'head' pressure) cause I would still like a little more than 400gph out of each head, and go with the 1150gph pump. Not sure if this would stress the pump though? But thats what head pressure does and I believe this is pressure rated. If I were to do this, would I put the ball valves just before the current enters the tank, or just after the pump output?

I guess I've rambled on enough. Thanks for the help!

Chris

Edit: In terms of current, I want this turnover rate, because I've been dissatisfied with the amount of water movement and two dead corners in my current tank. Im also not sure if I want to add a CL instead to fix this problem or not. Thanks.

[Funky_Fish14]

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

match your pump to your skimmer flow requirement, and plumb the overflows right into the skimmer for optimal skimming efficiency.

The overflow could not run the skimmer, unless you mean plumbing them into the sump chamber containing the skimmer?

[TheReefGeek]

What skimmer are you using? I mean dump the overflow water right into the skimmer as the water source for the skimmer, and use the pumps as recirculating pumps and not feed pumps. Depends on the type of skimmer.

[Funky_Fish14]

Its a massive spray-injection skimmer running off a Mag 9.5, so I cant dump right in unfortunately. I can just do it conventionally however, and put the skimmer in the first chamber.

[TheReefGeek]

Ya that is the best you can do.

Oh and I don't consider anything "massive" unless it is bigger than my skimmer

[Funky_Fish14]

Comparable to other spray injection skimmers, its large, haha. What do you have?

You'd asked about flow/volume plans for the sump, I appologize for the long reply post to that, im trying to consider whether my planning is adequte, any input? Would the pump cause too much flow for my anticipated sump size? Thanks!

Chris

[TheReefGeek]

Depends on the length of the sump, and the number of baffles you install. I run an ASM G6 (48" tall, 3xSedra 9000 needlewheel pumps)

I would drill the tank and run your in-line pump as a closed loop and use a way smaller pump for your return, like 400gph after head pressure.

[Ruth]

Oh I can't resist Rory - I want to talk big skimmer - my Bubble King 500 should be here next week!