I'm trying to decide how big of pump I need for a return, but I also am thinking 2 returns into the tank off one pump vs just one return to the tank, off one return pump. Hopefully, this doesn't get too confusing.
I have been reading and come to a conclusion that somewhere between 5-10 times an hour is optimal for sump flow and turnover. I'll be using a 20 Long for a sump which will also have a refugium. I've also been reading getting an over-sized pump and dialing it back isn't good for the return pump either.
I'm pretty set on the Syncra Silent 3.0 Pump (714 GPH) Because of the headloss with my plumbing. This is hard plumbing with all PVC. I will be using a Herbie overflow method.
My question is now: would 2 - 3/4 return create too much surface agitation? or Should I just go with 1 - 3/4 return?
I've used a calculator to add my plumbing in to calculate head loss etc. obviously these aren't exact to the point numbers..but close probably.
With 2 - 3/4 returns one on each end and overflow in the middle.. rough estimate would be 5.38 feet of head pressure, or 2.33 PSI. with a flow rate of 407 GPH.
With only 1 - 3/4 return it would be 4.7 feet of head pressure, or 2.03 PSI. with a flow rate of 443 GPH return and the overflow would be at the opposite end.
Am I overthinking myself? I was thinking 2 returns would be great surface agitation. I don't want a hurricane in the tank before I add powerheads for flow in the tank and I don't want one in my sump either since I will have a refugium.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I have been reading and come to a conclusion that somewhere between 5-10 times an hour is optimal for sump flow and turnover. I'll be using a 20 Long for a sump which will also have a refugium. I've also been reading getting an over-sized pump and dialing it back isn't good for the return pump either.
I'm pretty set on the Syncra Silent 3.0 Pump (714 GPH) Because of the headloss with my plumbing. This is hard plumbing with all PVC. I will be using a Herbie overflow method.
My question is now: would 2 - 3/4 return create too much surface agitation? or Should I just go with 1 - 3/4 return?
I've used a calculator to add my plumbing in to calculate head loss etc. obviously these aren't exact to the point numbers..but close probably.
With 2 - 3/4 returns one on each end and overflow in the middle.. rough estimate would be 5.38 feet of head pressure, or 2.33 PSI. with a flow rate of 407 GPH.
With only 1 - 3/4 return it would be 4.7 feet of head pressure, or 2.03 PSI. with a flow rate of 443 GPH return and the overflow would be at the opposite end.
Am I overthinking myself? I was thinking 2 returns would be great surface agitation. I don't want a hurricane in the tank before I add powerheads for flow in the tank and I don't want one in my sump either since I will have a refugium.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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