Frag tank return pump

quicksil328 · Feb 14, 2017

Ok everyone....So I have gotten some advice on lighting options over the last few days for the frag tank I am setting up. Today I need some help deciding on a return pump since this is going to be a stand alone system. I was thinking about the Reef Octopus Varios 2 (792 ph). I like the control ability and the included float valve shutoff. The tank is a deep blue 45 gal. It will be draining into a 20 gallon sump with an SCA 302 skimmer. I have about 3.5 feet of head, closer to 5 ft if you count one 90 degree elbow. I am planning on keeping some LPS, zoas, softies, maybe some lower light SPS eventually. With the idea of having about 5x turnover I figured I should be pushing about 300 gallons per hour (factoring in total volume of tank and sump). Given the buil in capability to control flow, and factoring in the head loss I thought this would be a good choice. What do you think...overkill?

Brew12 · Feb 14, 2017

quicksil328 said:
Ok everyone....So I have gotten some advice on lighting options over the last few days for the frag tank I am setting up. Today I need some help deciding on a return pump since this is going to be a stand alone system. I was thinking about the Reef Octopus Varios 2 (792 ph). I like the control ability and the included float valve shutoff. The tank is a deep blue 45 gal. It will be draining into a 20 gallon sump with an SCA 302 skimmer. I have about 3.5 feet of head, closer to 5 ft if you count one 90 degree elbow. I am planning on keeping some LPS, zoas, softies, maybe some lower light SPS eventually. With the idea of having about 5x turnover I figured I should be pushing about 300 gallons per hour (factoring in total volume of tank and sump). Given the buil in capability to control flow, and factoring in the head loss I thought this would be a good choice. What do you think...overkill?

If it were not adjustable, I would say it is overkill. I think it is a fine choice since I feel it is always better to go a bit bigger with controllable pumps.

quicksil328 · Feb 15, 2017

Brew12, thanks for the input. I was thinking overkill too but with the added control and float valve i figured it would be ok. Plus if I decide to upgrade the frag tank i would still have a viable pump (depending on tank size).