Return Pump Sizing Recommendation

[WVReefJunkie]

Ok, here is the run down. I have a Vectra M1 return pump currently running on my 315 Gallon CDA Display with a 2400 Modular Marine external overflow. Iam needing to purchase a new return pump for my saltwater mixing station, so I was thinking of taking the M1 and putting it on my mixing station. Replacing the M1 with a Vectra L2 for my display. My aquarium will be mostly SPS Dominated, with a mixture of other corals. With head loss and skimmer efficiency, do you think I would benefit for the extra bump of water volume with the L2?

The manifold plumbing is tie together with the return plumbing.

 

[nereefpat]

Looks like you can't get M1s anymore, but their flow was 2000 gph. You'll get another 1000 gph out of the L2. As long as your overflow can handle it, and it doesn't cause too much noise in the sump, then it can't hurt.

Personally, I believe in only a few times an hour turnover through the sump, but it's up to you. I would let the 4 MP40s take care of your flow.

 

[BlennyTime]

Looks like you can't get M1s anymore, but their flow was 2000 gph. You'll get another 1000 gph out of the L2. As long as your overflow can handle it, and it doesn't cause too much noise in the sump, then it can't hurt.

Personally, I believe in only a few times an hour turnover through the sump, but it's up to you. I would let the 4 MP40s take care of your flow.

Agree with this, there’s no benefit to higher than a 3-5x tank volume hourly turnover in your sump. The 4 MP40’s should provide plenty of flow for your tank.

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Looks like you can't get M1s anymore, but their flow was 2000 gph. You'll get another 1000 gph out of the L2. As long as your overflow can handle it, and it doesn't cause too much noise in the sump, then it can't hurt.

Personally, I believe in only a few times an hour turnover through the sump, but it's up to you. I would let the 4 MP40s take care of your flow.

Like it. I went about 50% turnover or 5-times.

 

[WVReefJunkie]

I have three mp60s and one mp40 on the tank currently. I am running my M1 currently at 70 %, maybe I should just order a M2, switch the M1 out on the display and use the M1 on my mixing station. That way I would have a backup pump close by for my display, thoughts?

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Back up is always good. Some say, even running two return pumps is a good idea.

 

[splitting_lanes]

Going over size with a DC pump is nice, because you can turn it down. I run my pump at 60% and it’s much quieter than it is at 100%

 

[Delatedlotus]

LOL... I just posted this early on a different thread...My salty experience. There is ONLY one pump to both buy and use. I bought a **Japanese Iwaki 100r** 23 years ago it pumped right at 1900 plus.. gallons an hour 135 plus gallons per min. !. I run 265 gallons total on my system. 2 tanks a 90 and a 110 and a 100 gallon sump of sorts a 100 gallon horse trough lol. Heavy duty pumps these are and with a huge head height. It went bad on me right at 4 months ago now. I bought another one from BRS ( I shopped very extensively both new and USED 1st ) for $478 dollars free freight. I would use NO OTHER PUMP PERIOD ..! It lasted right at 23 years! 365 days a year, 24-7, for 23 years. That breaks down like this.. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week = 168 hours a week, 168 hours x 365 days a year = 61,320 hours in a year, 61,320 hours x 23 years = 1,410,360 TOTAL HOURS THIS PUMP HAS RUN NON - STOP... NOW you tell me is there a better pump out here..? Really tell me... no other pump will last this long ever! They have never changed anything on these pumps at all. I did talk to the factory direct no changes ever. Take this to the bank period... Oh and I got the dark gray replacement pump just like "I" had before, again bought the new one from BRS aquarium ** Japanese only. Not any other will perform like these Iwaki 100r pumps, not one other ever. Just sayin...