Sump flow rate

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Enigma

I've read that 6.1 times the display volume is the magic number for the flow rate. I don't know how that number was derived.

This is correct. 6.1x turnover is the amount it takes for 99.9% of the total water volume to flow through the sump in a 24 hour period. This is considered the most efficient number. A skimmer can only process so much water during any given time, so providing excess flow does little for it. Anything more is considered a waste of electricity, plus a larger pump is likely to add more heat to the water as well.

Take a look at Bubble Magus who have a line of skimmers that have internal pumps, and therefore a much smaller footprint. The SWC skimmers also have an internal pump, although if you buy one you are giving money to a convicted smuggler. Btw, you say the water is 13" deep in the sump? Or do you mean the sump is 13" deep? Most smaller skimmers are designed to operate in 6-8" of water.