Return pump suggestions.. 27 gallon cube with 5.5 gallon sump

[pelphrey]

I am building my first reef tank and would like some opinions or suggestions on the route I should take for my return pump. The 2 pumps I have in mind are the Sicce 1.0 and the Sicce 1.5 - This is for a 27 gallon marineland cube and a 5.5 gallon sump. The sump will hold my eshopps psk75 skimmer. I also have the RW4 for water movement. I am leaning towards the 1.0 since I am using such a small sump and want to ensure the skimmer is getting a fair chance at doing its job. Trying to make the correct decision the first time on my first reef tank build!

 

[LVE]

I would personally go with at minimum the 1.5. At least with not knowing how high the pump will need to be pushing. I have the 1.5 on a 36 gallon tank pushing up about 24 inches and it works great. You can always dial the flow back with the know on the pump to get it just right if needed.

 

[pelphrey]

Head height is probably 3.5' to 4' - I was confused on whether or not the 1.5 had flow restrictions and if I could control it or not without adding a ball valve.

 

[LVE]

You should be able to control it, the sicce pumps have a knob on them with +/- that you can rotate to adjust the flow.

 

[pelphrey]

Thanks, I really appreciate your input!