How much flow is really needed

BryanB · Feb 25, 2015

Well I set up my 190 and well I don't think I have enough flow. I am running 2 returns both rio pumps and about 1200 gallons between them. I also have 2 constant 850 GPH pumps and 2 1150 GPH pumps on a wave maker. I hope to upgrade the return to one 1400-1500 GPH pump most likely a jeboe or something along those lines. If you have any suggestions pleas let me know.

Reefing Madness · Feb 26, 2015

Generally speaking, your returns aren't running that much after head loss, and aren't really used to calculate flow, as you don't want anything attached to them to restric return GPH.
So, for a reef tank starting at 20x your DT total volume is where flow would start, and it goes up from there. So with your current set up using 2- 850s and 2 1150s, I'd say your at a good starting point.

BryanB · Feb 26, 2015

Reefing Madness said:
Generally speaking, your returns aren't running that much after head loss, and aren't really used to calculate flow, as you don't want anything attached to them to restric return GPH.
So, for a reef tank starting at 20x your DT total volume is where flow would start, and it goes up from there. So with your current set up using 2- 850s and 2 1150s, I'd say your at a good starting point.

For the return that is calculated with between 3-4 feet of head flow. Si to be safe even with a little restriction or other unseen factors I am still ok going by the 5x return rule.