Welcome to the Reef Forum.
Results 1 to 2 of 2
  1. #1
    Citizen
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    208
    Images
    5
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    What size return pump do I need?

    I am currently setting up a sump for my 125 Gallon Tank. The tank is 72 X 18 X 22 on a 30" Stand. The overall height from the bottom of the sump to the top of the tank is 5'. I am interested in putting (4) .5" returns into the tank and having one 1200GPH Overflow box on the tank.

    My question is how do I determine what size pump I need? I was thinking of getting a Mag 12 or Dolphin 1200 both submersible, but with 4 returns @ 5' will it have enough power to create enough tank turnover?

    Both pumps have .75" Return that I would reduce to .5" after 3', but I will also have some bends and turns in the return pipe that I am making with PVC.

    The sump will house my protien skimmer, heaters, and any resins or carbon that I may want to use. It will also have my bubble baffle.

    If it matters the sump is 24 X 16 X 16 (25 Gallon)

    Thanks in advance for any help.

  2. #2
    Moderator Poseidon's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    Swartz Creek, MI
    Posts
    6,793
    Images
    450
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    If you are going to have a lot of el's get the Mag 18. And remember when you reduce to 1/2 it will increase velocity, but not the volume of water you are moving. I think the best current is lower velocity but higher volume. That is created by using larger diameter pipe. I use 1" on my mag 12 through just 1 return in the opposite end of my tank. Then I used PH to create more random current in the tank itself. My .02
    Need a Photographer?

    Just say NO to CRABS

    Mike


 

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

     

Similar Threads

  1. return pump advice
    By cubalz in forum Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-10-2004, 12:10 PM
  2. Return Pump size and plumbing
    By vder in forum Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 11-29-2003, 08:18 PM
  3. Return Pump size and plumbing
    By vder in forum Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-25-2003, 09:29 AM
  4. Restricting return pump.
    By CAreefer in forum Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 12-19-2001, 08:53 PM
  5. Replies: 11
    Last Post: 05-28-2001, 04:22 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108