Return pump sizing

[hllb]

I am working on plans for my tank upgrade. Tank will be approximately 60g in display and the sump is a 20 gallon, and I'm guessing will have around 10 gallons of water in it. I purchased a Sicce Syncra SDC 6.0 return pump (530-1450 gph). I see they are now coming out with a 3.0 version that will do 280 to 800 gph. Now I'm wondering if I should get the smaller return pump for my tank as it seems more than adequate gph wise (mixed reef tank, no acros currently, but if I did add some, it wouldn't be many). Head height will likely be around 46", give or take.

 

[Funston07]

I would stick with the 6.0 that way you have the ability to turn it up higher if needed. I have a 65gal with a 600gph flow for my return with only LPS. Another thing is to make sure what your OF is rated for to make that call.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I am working on plans for my tank upgrade. Tank will be approximately 60g in display and the sump is a 20 gallon, and I'm guessing will have around 10 gallons of water in it. I purchased a Sicce Syncra SDC 6.0 return pump (530-1450 gph). I see they are now coming out with a 3.0 version that will do 280 to 800 gph. Now I'm wondering if I should get the smaller return pump for my tank as it seems more than adequate gph wise (mixed reef tank, no acros currently, but if I did add some, it wouldn't be many).

I am a firm believer that you should always go bigger, for two reasons.

1.) You dont have to run the unit at full flow. It's better longevity wise to only have to run it at 50-60% vs maxed out 24/7.

2.) If you ever upgrade (which you will, I assure you that) you already have a pump that will work. I got a way bigger pump than I needed, and I have two manifolds running off of it as well, and I only run it at 60%.

 

[hllb]

I am a firm believer that you should always go bigger, for two reasons.

1.) You dont have to run the unit at full flow. It's better longevity wise to only have to run it at 50-60% vs maxed out 24/7.

2.) If you ever upgrade (which you will, I assure you that) you already have a pump that will work. I got a way bigger pump than I needed, and I have two manifolds running off of it as well, and I only run it at 60%.

Thanks. I wondered if #1 was true, though I likely wouldn't be maxing out the smaller pump either. For #2, I won't be going bigger. Been there, done that, prefer the smaller tank LOL. I'm going from a 32 to a 60 and that's the max I'd like to go for ease of maintenance. I had a 120 before and it was enough more work to make it not worthwhile for me.

 

[hllb]

I would stick with the 6.0 that way you have the ability to turn it up higher if needed. I have a 65gal with a 600gph flow for my return with only LPS. Another thing is to make sure what your OF is rated for to make that call.

For the overflow, it's an internal so likely not rated specifically. I believe it's 1" bulkheads and the return is 3/4".

 

[Funston07]

For the overflow, it's an internal so likely not rated specifically. I believe it's 1" bulkheads and the return is 3/4".

Theres a chart somewhere for bulkhead size flow ratings I'll try to find but I know 1" will definitely handle at least 600gph. Another thing to consider is head height. I'll attach a picture of one of my pumps chart for this because on average you got 3ft of head height and that decreases your flow significantly.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Thanks. I wondered if #1 was true, though I likely wouldn't be maxing out the smaller pump either. For #2, I won't be going bigger. Been there, done that, prefer the smaller tank LOL. I'm going from a 32 to a 60 and that's the max I'd like to go for ease of maintenance. I had a 120 before and it was enough more work to make it not worthwhile for me.

I think of it like a car engine. What do you thinks going to last longer. An engine running at 2500rpm or foot to the floor, red lining at 6500?

 

[Funston07]

 

[hllb]

I think of it like a car engine. What do you thinks going to last longer. An engine running at 2500rpm or foot to the floor, red lining at 6500?

Agree there, but depending on head height, I don't actually need 600 gph. Not a big deal, I already have the bigger pump and getting the smaller wouldn't save much since I got the bigger one on sale.

 

[hllb]

Looks like I could expect around a 30% reduction in max flow based on that table, and based off the slightly less useful chart on my pump's box, that seems in line. That would say the smaller pump would be pretty right sized, but it would be running relatively close to max. I'll stick w the bigger one.

 

[DCR]

With only 3/4" return piping you will most likely be limited to about 250-400 gph max.