Return pump

[drizzle21]

I have a 29 g tank setting up a 20 g sump i have a 1inch overflow and about a 3ft head height for the return. looking at pumps with between 271 to 382 gph would this be enough for a return pump or should i go higher? Any brands better then others? Thanks

 

[Ryan@ShelteredReef Verified Sponsor]

I'm a big fan of Sicce pumps. I usually shoot for 3-5x system volume turnover per hour with a return pump. In your case, figure about 40 gallon system(rock displacement and sump operating depth subtracted). You could get away with 120-200 GPH(adjusted for head pressure) with your return pump. This would fall into either a Sicce 1.5 or 2.0 for your application. The majority of your flow should come from either circulation pumps, closed loop, surge system, etc.

 

[drizzle21]

I'm a big fan of Sicce pumps. I usually shoot for 3-5x system volume turnover per hour with a return pump. In your case, figure about 40 gallon system(rock displacement and sump operating depth subtracted). You could get away with 120-200 GPH(adjusted for head pressure) with your return pump. This would fall into either a Sicce 1.5 or 2.0 for your application. The majority of your flow should come from either circulation pumps, closed loop, surge system, etc.

Ok so i will have two elbows in the return you think that would require higher gph

 

[Ryan@ShelteredReef Verified Sponsor]

If you go with a 2.0, you should still have plenty of GPH for your return

 

[Ryan@ShelteredReef Verified Sponsor]

Just avoid having a manifold off of your return pump as that adds a tremendous amount of head pressure.

 

[Mini Coop]

I am actually looking for return pumps right now - not sure if you want internal or external, but http://bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd_chart.html here is the chart. You would need the smallest or second smallest one! I like these :) Hope this helps.

With 2 elbows, try to make them 45 instead of 90 degrees if you can. If not, I would go for more like 400-500 gph to help with flow.

 

[drizzle21]

I am actually looking for return pumps right now - not sure if you want internal or external, but http://bluelineaquatics.com/products/water_pump/hd_chart.html here is the chart. You would need the smallest or second smallest one! I like these :) Hope this helps.

With 2 elbows, try to make them 45 instead of 90 degrees if you can. If not, I would go for more like 400-500 gph to help with flow.

Ty