General pump questions

[oakcityreefer]

Complete aquarium noob here. I feel like things should slow down when the lights go out but realize the ocean never turns off. So I’m wondering:

1. For those with DC return pumps. How did you determine the optimum return pump speed? Do you schedule different speeds or set and forget? I tried turning it down at night but then the overflows start gurgling. I’m running a Vectric M2.

2. Do you schedule different speeds and/or patterns for your wave pumps? If so, why?
I’m running 2 Maxspect XF350.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IMO the return pump should never be adjusted once you've got it dialed in. Folks that turn down the flow at night I believe are using powerheads, I would be surprised if anyone adjusted the return pump.

I think thats a personal choice thing, I don't adjust my flow at night but I know some people do.

 

[mfinn]

Once the return flow and the drain flow is setup I see no reason to lower it for night.
Just leave it alone, or get what you have already experienced.
As far as getting the amount of flow, what I always have gone for was 4x to 5x the tank volume through the sump.
So taking the max flow for any pump, taking into account head loss, you dial in the dc pump speed accordingly.
With ac pumps the same but usually with a valve.
Then you dial in the drains with what ever valves you have there to get the drain noise down to what you find acceptable.
It can be a balancing act, but once you get it set, leave it alone.