Proper flow

[gozyk]

I was wondering if anyone could help clarify some questions I have about flow rates. I going to use a Sequence Hammerhead(5800gph) pump for my main system pump. My tank can only handle about 2400gph flow through the 4 1" drains. So that leaves me with allot of play. I wanting to run my skimmer,Calcium reactor and phosban reactors off the this pump. I will have a manifold that will turn the 1 1/2" return to 8 3/4" outlets. First question is should I run a line to each 3/4" return to the tank or run one line and tee it off to each return? One will feed the fuge. Two will feed the grow out tanks. One for the skimmer and one for the calcium reactor. I'm going to run the feed line to the fuge through the 3 phosban reactors before dumping into the fuge. One will contain ROWAphos, one is Purigen, and the other will be for Carbon. My concern is once you dail in the skimmer lets say at 700gph how would I know if 6 months down the road that skimmer is still getting to proper flow rate? That goes with the calcium reator and the phosban reactors. Is there any kind of gauge or meter? I just worried that each devise wouldn't be getting proper flow and then not function right. I would really like to use the system pump for this so I could save electricity and money on the feed pumps. Plus would help with the heat. So any info would be great.

Thanks Kyle

[scubadude]

Hi Kyle

First question is should I run a line to each 3/4" return to the tank or run one line and tee it off to each return?

For most flow available I would definately opt for the latter choice, just make sure you only downsize your plumbing at the very last, so you wont increase head

My concern is once you dail in the skimmer lets say at 700gph how would I know if 6 months down the road that skimmer is still getting to proper flow rate?

All you have to do here is install a ball valve that feeds this line and you should be able to control your feed.

Is there any kind of gauge or meter? I just worried that each devise wouldn't be getting proper flow and then not function right.

Yes there is but I really think you might be going a tad bit overboard with these...as long as you have the ball valves (on each indepedent output line) you should be able to control and designate flow on all output lines. But if you are dead set on a flowgauge to measure your flow check out Aquatic-Eco systems...be prepared for sticker shock on some of them though

I would really like to use the system pump for this so I could save electricity and money on the feed pumps.

I have heard great things about these pumps, I say go for it....just be prepared to be doing some tweaking

[gozyk]

Thanks for all your help. After hearing what other people have to say. I guess I don't need the flow meters. I just thought it had to be exact science. Everyoneone has said just the visual and performance of each piece o9f equipment would be enough to get proper flow. Yes, I plan to have a gate valve on each output of the manifold then followed by a union. Yea some serious tweaking, but thats some of the fun of this hobby in my opionion. Once again thanks for all the help...


Kyle