Sump Return Pump Question

[JST]

I’m planning (with the help of this forum) to build a sump for my 75 gallon tank. I’m planning on taking my AquaC Roma Pro hang-on protein skimmer and putting it under the main tank and onto a 10 gallon tank with a baffle system.



For the new overflow I’m looking at a 600 gph single bulkhead overflow (with lifter pump). The Roma Pro is currently powered by a Mag Drive 3 (350 gph) pump. My question is how powerful of a return pump should I get? I was thinking about the Mag Drive 7 that is rated at 700 gph. Is this powerful enough? I was also going to add ball values to both the input and return lines to control water flow as need.



Also, does it make sense to add a check valve to the return line?



Any help and/or suggestions are appreciated.

[Reefland]

I’m planning (with the help of this forum) to build a sump for my 75 gallon tank. I’m planning on taking my AquaC Roma Pro hang-on protein skimmer and putting it under the main tank and onto a 10 gallon tank with a baffle system.

You'll be glad you decided to do this.

For the new overflow I’m looking at a 600 gph single bulkhead overflow (with lifter pump). The Roma Pro is currently powered by a Mag Drive 3 (350 gph) pump. My question is how powerful of a return pump should I get? I was thinking about the Mag Drive 7 that is rated at 700 gph. Is this powerful enough? I was also going to add ball values to both the input and return lines to control water flow as need.

A MAG 7 would be a good choice, if you wanted some extra security you could go with a MAG 9. To control the pump rate, put only 1 ball valve on the pump output and throttle it back as necessary. With a MAG 7 you probably won't need to throttle back but your probably not going to get the maximum flow of the overflow either.

Also, does it make sense to add a check valve to the return line?

You could if you wanted but as long as the sumps operating level allows for the tank to drain about 1" of water during a power failure there is no need to. Really, I wouldn't bother with one.

[saltjunkie]

i have had a mag 7 on my tank for years.. it is a great pump..
for your tank it will do what you need.. but the addition of a few well placed power heads would be a good idea also..