What return pump should I get?

[NakiFantaki]

I just bought a new tank and I am in the market for a return pump. This will be my first "real" reef tank as my first set up was a little all in one Nuvo 20 gallon and I really didn't have to much knowledge on the equipment.

My new tank is a 60 gallon Visio glass tank. It measures 48x16x18. It has a built in corner overflow.

What GPH should I be shooting for on this return pump? What brands should I be looking at?

 

[Goslugsgo]

I use an Eheim 1262 on my 65g.

I chose it because Eheims are typically rock-solid and replacement parts are easy to source. Also, a duplicate would not break the bank should I decide to be a proactive and responsible reef keeper in the future.

I chose the 1262 because that volume of water moves the surface film efficiently even after some slimed over head pressure.

It's been running virtually nonstop for about nine years.

 

[Charles Weller]

You should have between 5 and 10x turnover for your tank, remembering to take into account head pressure. Here's a good link...

 

[sundog101]

I really like Sicce.
Dc pumps have gotten pretty popular, but I don't have any experience with them.

 

[NakiFantaki]

You should have between 5 and 10x turnover for your tank, remembering to take into account head pressure. Here's a good link...

Thanks! That link didn't work though.
Can you please explain head pressure?

 

[Goslugsgo]

Head pressure is the extra force within the pipe system that the pump has to overcome to pump the water. Example: 'low' head pressure would be one foot of horizontal pipe. 'High' head pressure would be 20 feet of vertical pipe, where the pump has to force its water up against gravity, and far against the friction of the pipe.

That's the best I can do right now. If it doesn't make sense let us know and a more articulate member will help!

 

[Charles Weller]

The most simple definition of head pressure is that this is the force placed on the pump by gravity. To determine the head pressure for your system you should measure how far up the pump needs to push the water before it reaches your tank, this will give you the total head pressure in feet. You can then use a calculator to determine the correct size pump you should use.

 

[NakiFantaki]

Head pressure is the extra force within the pipe system that the pump has to overcome to pump the water. Example: 'low' head pressure would be one foot of horizontal pipe. 'High' head pressure would be 20 feet of vertical pipe, where the pump has to force its water up against gravity, and far against the friction of the pipe.

That's the best I can do right now. If it doesn't make sense let us know and a more articulate member will help!

That's perfect!!! Thanks!

 

[NakiFantaki]

The most simple definition of head pressure is that this is the force placed on the pump by gravity. To determine the head pressure for your system you should measure how far up the pump needs to push the water before it reaches your tank, this will give you the total head pressure in feet. You can then use a calculator to determine the correct size pump you should use.

Thank you!!!

 

[NakiFantaki]

After doing a lot more reading on return pumps and flow rates I have a better understanding of what I'm dealing with.
Can anyone recommend a pump that puts out 800-1000gph? Also one that is somewhat quite? I realize these pumps make noise so I'm not looking for something that is dead silent but one that doesn't sound like an airplane taking off would be great!