NEW Tank build starts here

[sphelps]

For something quiet and reliable RD 8.2 is probably the right size. Waveline DC-10000 is also probably big enough although I haven't seen any pump curves just that it does up to 16.4 feet. Water blaster is another option although I haven't heard too much about them and you'll need the biggest model. These can all be used in sump.

[Aqua-Digital]

so the next question is turn over rate of water an hour, so I can then decide pump size.

The average google answer seems to be 10x an hour

[sphelps]

For me it depends, 10x is probably a good ball park within reason but the larger the tank to more this becomes impractical if the goal is efficiency and low noise. Going up 10ft I wouldn't aim for more than 1000 gph so a little under 10x in your case. Make up the rest with MP10s or whatever.

What's your overflow and plumbing plans?

[DAVE]

You want your return pump to match your skimmer output.

There is no point in putting 10x the flow through your sump if your skimmer isn't going to be able to handle the water volume that is moving through your sump.

Since you are planning on an LPS dominant system with a few SPS and you are already going to be running MP10's then there is no need to get crazy with your return pump, just have it match or be a little less then your skimmer pump.

[DAVE]

i.e. your skimmer pump is pushing X amount GPH, then your return pump (factoring head loss) should be X amount.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by Hydrologist

i.e. your skimmer pump is pushing X amount GPH, then your return pump (factoring head loss) should be X amount.

You're know they are interdependent right? I never understood this approach, design you're sump properly and it will trap lighter organics in the skimmer chamber regardless or display tank turnover. I'd base my tank turnover more on the size of the display and what's needed to effectively surface skim filter out suspended particles/debris.

[DAVE]

Please explain how these are independent.


Your return pump is pulling exactly the same amount of water that is entering the sump. If it wasn't the tank level in your DT or sump would either decrease or increase to the point of overflowing (or draining).