I'm setting up my sump system, and (20 gal sump on a 55 display) trying to come up with a return scheme. Right now, I have no idea what kind of real world flow I'll be getting from my hang on siphon overflow box. It's got a 1" bulkhead fitting, so 600 would be max, possibly as low as 300. I'm going to try using a Hofer Gurgle buster, so I'm not sure what the trade of is there between flow rate and noise level. I'm going for as quiet as possible, so I'm thinkg that may also mean a somewhat reduced flowrate.??
I don't really need or want more than 600gph blasting through such a small sump anyway. Suffice it to say, I'm not sure what size return pump to get just yet.

With a limitation of 600 max gph, Which would be the better return plumbing scheme?

A. The simplest and easiest way is probably to use the shortest path back to the display, terminating in a single locline at one corner of the tank. Whatever pump I choose would see about 3' head pressure. Would a round or flat nozzle be better here?

B. Split the return into two lines. Run a t from the center of the tank to opposite ends of the tank. Terminate in Loclines. Having a nozzle on each end of the tank would help for even surface agitation. Round or flared nozzles? If I go this route, I get a max of just 300gph out of each end, and real world numbers are likely to be quite a bit lower than that. Head pressure would be higher coonsidering the extra plumbing, so that could factor into a larger return pump than option A.

C. Same as option B, but adding a 3/4" SCWD (Squid). If I understand correctly, this would still give the max output of 600, but only to one nozzle at a time...that would be a huge benefit in terms of simulating alternating currents in the tank. If I choose this, anbody know how much head pressure one of these things adds?

D. Same as option C, but adds diy whirly-gig nozzles to the loclines. This is really getting ambitious, but I think I'm up for the challenge. Just not sure it's worth the effort for a measly 300-600gph. Thoughts?

Some other pertinent info...Turnover needs of the tank are already covered by a Koralia 1050, and I'm not going to be keeping any flow crazy SPS corals. The problem with the Koralia is, I can only direct it at one area, and something always suffers because of it. Either I get dead spots in the back and corners, or I don't get enough surface agitation. Not to mention that it's one continuous current that never alternates. I'm hoping I have an opportunity to solve some of these issues when I plumb my sump return. What do you guys think?