how much is to much? (waterflow)

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Gools

Is 4000gph on a 180g tank to much? Thinking of having 4 returns to spread it out. Then again I have a 1-1/2 hole,in my overflow, will that handle 4000 gallons?

Is that a single overflow or a pair of 1 1/2,s? Like Brad mentioned, its a lot of sump flow. I also think its to much for a single 1 1/2. I prefer keeping the sump flow around 1000 gph to 1300gph, or even less, and developing more in tank flow, with either closed loops or stream pumps.

I do know of many bare bottomed sps tanks that do push a very high flow through the overflows and sump, to keep the detritus suspended.