Upgrade time !

[RDNanoGuy]

It's always a good idea to mock up your plumbing before you glue anything together. Also it helps you to make sure you have shut off valves and unions in all the right places so you can service your equipment.

The pump choice is determined by the amount of flow you want through the system. Most aquarists' like to run about 5 times the display tanks volume through the sump per hour. Also when choosing your pump don't forget to account for the head loss due to the height back to the display. Most pump manufacturers provide a chart to help estimate the loss for a given height.
Also add maybe20% more to account for the flow you will divert to the refugeium.

[Craigdillman]

Thanks alot for the help

[RDNanoGuy]

In your tanks case you pump requirements will look something like this:

125g display x 5 turnover per hour = 625gph

625gph x 20% for refuge = 750gph

You should therefore look for a pump that will provide 750gph @ whatever vertical distance is from the pump to the display return nozzle.

Also don't be afraid to use a slightly oversize pump maybe. 20% larger and use a ball valve on the output. This can be advantageous in 3 ways:

1. You can dial in the perfect flow, which is helpful in quieting noisy overflows.
2. You can use the excess capacity later to run other accessories like carbon and phosban reactors thereby saving the price of another pump.
3. Restricted pumps run more efficiently and use less. Electricity.

[Craigdillman]

Ok that makes sense, Im thinking the mag9.5 pump its rated for 950 probably around 900 ish after head loss and i can dial it back.

Also Im looking into skimmers and i see a problem right off the bat the skimmer section (middle) is only 7" high before draining into the bubble trap and return, would it be a big deal to add glass or acrylic to the bubble trap to raise the water to say 9" which is what most skimmers are calling for

[Craigdillman]

Im looking at these so far for skimmers

Bubble magus curve 7-
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...er-canada.html
Reef octopus Nwb-150-(or the 200)
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...p-Skimmer.html
Vertex omega 150
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-st...0-gallons.html

[RDNanoGuy]

Originally Posted by Craigdillman

Ok that makes sense, Im thinking the mag9.5 pump its rated for 950 probably around 900 ish after head loss and i can dial it back.

I think you will have a little more head loss than that, most setups with the sump in the stand have between 4' and 5' od head pressure. The mac 9.5 will work fine but probably won't give you much room to play with. If you've got the extra couple of bucks maybe get a mag 12.

As for a skimmer all 3 of your choices will serve you well although i personally like the reef octopus skimmers the best. Vertex is a solid well regarded brand also.

As far as the required water height I've found being a bit low is better than too high. As long as the skimmer intake is completely submerged it will work fine. If you find the output splashes too much you can always fit an elbow to point the outflow into the water.

[Craigdillman]

Mag 9.5

Specifications:
Input: 3/4"
Output: 3/4"
Flow Rate at 0' Head: 950 GPH
Flow Rate at 4' Head: 800 GPH
Flow Rate at 6' Head: 760 GPH

So I might be right on the edge with that but would the 12 be over kill? I dont mind the extra money but dont want the pump to be too much?

Mag 12
Specifications:
Input: 3/4"
Output: 3/4"
Flow Rate at 0' Head: 1200 GPH
Flow Rate at 4' Head: 1100 GPH
Flow Rate at 6' Head: 950 GPH

[Craigdillman]

Yea I think Im going to go with the Reef Octopus skimmer probably the 200 version

[mseepman]

I would look at something like this for a return. http://www.reefsupplycanada.com/jeba...rollable-pump/

You can control it and if you need to tee it off later you can up the power and keep your flow healthy. This gives you flexibility.