Return Pump Size - Syncra SDC

wunderlong88 · Jun 2, 2025

I have ordered a Planet Aquarium 180 gal. Planning to use a 40 or 50 gallon sump. I figure system volume will be somewhere around 200-210 gallons.

I want to use 2 Syncra SDC return pumps. After watching BRSTV's rec's on pump sizing and turnover rate and splitting between 2 smaller pumps instead of 1 pump. I am thinking I want about 3x turnover rate so 1.5-2x for each pump. My head height is about 65" plus whatever I lose in plumbing turns, etc.

So do I need two of the 6.0 or two of the 3.0? I even wondered if one 6.0 and 1 3.0 was an option, if two 3.0's aren't enough? I am trying to be as cost effect as I can with these pumps. I wasn't clear how to read their chart for head height/gph.

Thanks,

Linda

UncommonSense · Jun 2, 2025

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