Ciculation for 100g reef

[jaydog121]

I am about to set up a 100g reef tank, and I have a couple of questions.

First, what type of pump should I run for my sump GPH??? What is the cheapest way to do this?

Second, can I get away with only running a sump pum with multiple return lines to increase water movement?

Third, Please HELP!!!! I need som suggestions as to how to set up the correct water flow without having a lot of heads in the tank itself.

Also How do I know how much my overflow box will handle??


Thank you for your help!!!

 

[Anthony Calfo]

It is difficult if even possible to suggest a regime of water flow for you, my friend, without knowing what kind of animals you will keep. As with lighting, you need to decide on intended inhabitants and determine their needs before selecting hardware. Too many aquarists make the mistake of buying hardware without knowing specific creatures to be kept.

With that said... you will likely want or need 1500 to 2000 gallons per hour in this 100 gallon aquarium. The "cheapest" way to do this is a matter of perspective... cheap as in initial purchase? Or cheap as in best economy over the long haul? I'm hoping you meant the latter. In which case... there are several good pumps to choose from... my personal favorite is a Japanese made Iwaki. Find one that gives you the flow you need at the head you will be applying (run of plumbing).

Using a large sump pump such as this... you can avoid most or all power heads in the tank. The return to the top of the display might be delivered through a closed loop pvc manifold (1/2" or 3/4" pvc pipe) that is mounted at/above the surface of the water (very discreet) and is tapped with 6-10 tees (add swiveling 45 degree nozzles for optimum finesse of water flow). This will allow for fine-tuned adjustments of water flow as corals grow, move or are removed. Can be unseen or nearly so in the tank.

Best regards,

Anthony