Closed Loop - Help me pick the right pump!

[atf72]

SPS Reefers,
I need your opinions.
I am setting up a 24 x 24 x 24 (60 gallon) cube with sps and would like to keep a bit of sand on the bottom for aesthetics. Return pump will be a mag 12 running through a SCWD. I have a 2.5 inch hole drilled for a closed loop (1.5 inch bulkhead) and will be returning to a manifold with 4 outlets. Ideally, I need to run 3/4" pvc for the manifold in order to hide it under the trim because I keep an open top. 1" at most.
So, what pump would you recommend? Any ideas? I was thinking about 250-300 gph per nozzle, for a total of 1000-1200 gph (after the associated plumbing head loss).

If you have other ideas for the return I'd be interested. The closed loop hole is already drilled and I do not wish to drill anymore. Also, it would be nice to keep the sand on the bottom!

Thanks!

 

[REEF-DADDY]

I'd get a Sequence Dart you can always throttle it back if need be.


Edit: The 3/4" pipe is a huge handicap for the Dart. Try a PCX 70 or the like.

 

[atf72]

Thanks. The Dart would be great for future upgrades, but I'm afraid that cutting it so far back with a gate valve might be too much stress on it.

Any gen-x users out there? What are your thoughts on these pumps for reliability and noise?

 

[Dizzyswimmer]

I will second a Sequence pump.

 

[marino420td]

I have the GenX Mak4 for my return pump and I am very happy with it. I runs quiet (but it is in a dedicated equipment room) and is pretty powerful. And cheap.

 

[Downdraft]

Sequence pump!!

Sequence pump!!

Sequence pump!!

 

[Lunchbucket]

i like my Iwaki 55rlt on my 4way OM unit w/ 1.5" pipe feeding it and 3/4" outlets (4 of them). get some nice flow. but if i had to to it over i would get a little bigger pump as i like a LOT of random flow.

Lunchbucket

 

[fallen4378]

I have a Sequence dart on my close loop for my 150. They are great pumps and run on low wattage. I don’t think it will be to much flow for you, you have to think about all the flow you will lose due to 90's and 3/4 pipe. This pump is not pressure rated.

 

[Bax]

If you think the Dart is too much, look at the Snapper, also a great Sequence pump with a little less flow

 

[erc111]

I have a gen x pcx-40 running my chiller on a closed loop.
I like it. It is much quieter than the little giant I had previously.

 

[funstarfish]

i am about to set up a snapper on a similar sized tank, a 24x24x20