downsides to small return pump?

[ZiyaadB]

Are there any major issues with having a small return pump? I was testing my system for leaks last night and the sound of the water gushing over the overflow was a bit too much as i have a room close to the tank where someone sleeps. Its a Lound noise and i was contemplating changing the return pump from the 2200Lph eheim to something smaller maybe 1200lph so that a smaller amount goes down causing less noise. your thoughts? I tried using the ballvalve that we have on the system to raise the level in the overflow but that just caused issues.
system is 455L.

 

[ZiyaadB]

Pic of the tank and overflow so stand pipe is out

 

[hollback]

My practice is to run a single large pump that feeds everything my system needs. I run a Dart into a manifold and feed my 120 gallon display a 25 gallon frag tank, GEO calcium reactor, and a GEO media reactor. It consumes a lot less energy than a bunch of smaller pumps.

 

[melev]

A smaller pump size is fine. It uses less power, adds less heat to the water, and eliminates microbubble issues. You only need it to send water back up to the display, after all.

Your water test was with freshwater, right? Freshwater is always noisy. Saltwater will be quieter, and after 14 days it should be almost silent as the plumbing slimes over internally.

 

[SaraB]

A smaller pump size is fine. It uses less power, adds less heat to the water, and eliminates microbubble issues. You only need it to send water back up to the display, after all.

Agreed. You can always add the needed extra flow within the tank with some lower wattage powerheads.