Flow rate conundrum

[Vogon poetry]

Hey folks. My 20 year hobbyist friend gave me his barely used 2400 Supreme Aqua Mag Pump. My tank setup (in flow order) is:

- 60 gallon deep blue cube
- 1.5 inch pvc drain

18" trigger crystal sump
- CAD Lights Gen3 PLS-100 Pipeless Protein Skimmer 375 GPH
- 15 watt uv sterilizer
- refugium
- the 2400 GPH return pump

- 3/4 pvc return with t split
- in all about 3.5' of pipe travel back up into DT
- Maxspect xf 130 gyre circulation pump (I might add another circulation pump to this)

Should I be concerned that the return pump is too powerful? Better yet, is there such a thing as a return pump being too powerful for a particular setup? Maybe he figured that having 2 drain lines - which he strongly urges - would be a good match for the pump. I'd prefer not to add a second drain (sump not configured for 2 drains) which means I'd have to add a second sock/bracket but will if I really have to. I'm thinking if I need more flow going to the pump, I could add a smaller pump in the skimmer compartment before hitting the sterilizer.

Any deep thoughts? Some say my sterilizer should go after the return pump but frankly that seems to be more cicuitous plumbing then I wish to entertain.

One other point of which I am concerned. The physical size of the return pump leaves at most 1/8" clearance on the sides of the sump compartment. Very tight fit.

I hope he doesn't read this or he will kill me for doubting him.

Thanks reefers!

 

[vhuang168]

Setup 2 drains. It is safer and will help prevent flooding.

1 will be your main drain and the other will be emergency. Look up Herbie drains.

You can always put a ball valve on the return to throttle back the flow.


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[Vogon poetry]

Thanks. What do you mean emergency? I'm thinking it's simply 2 drains constantly operating right? Also, both drains should be same pvc size 1.5 inches?

 

[mcgyvr]

That return pump is way..way too big..
Rule of thumb is 3-5x display tank volume per hour after losses (head/friction,etc..)..
So you need 180-300 GPH after losses..
You are at least 4-5 times what you need or more.

Will it work.. Sure.. Is it way more than needed.. absolutely.. will it cause a problem.. Probably not..

 

[Vogon poetry]

That return pump is way..way too big..
Rule of thumb is 3-5x display tank volume per hour after losses (head/friction,etc..)..
So you need 180-300 GPH after losses..
You are at least 4-5 times what you need or more.

Will it work.. Sure.. Is it way more than needed.. absolutely.. will it cause a problem.. Probably not..

Another great reply from the intelligent woman known as McGyver! I agree. What concerns me the most is how it practically takes all the space in its compartment. I think it could even be a vibration issue.


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[mcgyvr]

woman known as McGyver!

um... I've got a penis

 

[Potatohead]

um... I've got a penis

What you do in your own spare time is up to you

 

[mcgyvr]

What you do in your own spare time is up to you

I'm still picking you up at 7 right? :love1:
I've got my grandmas car so the back seat is huge..

 

[C.Eymann]

Ladies and gentleman lets keep the this out of what is in our pants, stay on topic, OP is seeking advice here,

OP- bigger is usually better especially if using it to feed different components like UV or other reactors, while your pump maybe a bit large for your display, if you plan on using it to feed media reactors, uv sterilizers etc etc its good to have a pump larger than what is normally sized to the system, esp due to the number of presumably 90-45 degree elbows used to feed such things, in addition to the return rate.

 

[Vogon poetry]

Ladies and gentleman lets keep the this out of what is in our pants, stay on topic, OP is seeking advice here,

OP- bigger is usually better especially if using it to feed different components like UV or other reactors, while your pump maybe a bit large for your display, if you plan on using it to feed media reactors, uv sterilizers etc etc its good to have a pump larger than what is normally sized to the system, esp due to the number of presumably 90-45 degree elbows used to feed such things, in addition to the return rate.

Thanks and yeah, I was confused by who McGyver was...My bad however, I'm no prude but dudes...go on the dozens of other sites that drivel on and free form about things other than staying on topic. Anyways back to topic. I'll probably downsize a bit on the pump but honestly more due to its actual size as mentioned previously. I'll post a pic so you see how big it is in area


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[mcgyvr]

A tight fit really isn't an issue unless it just moves/vibrates on the sump and is just annoying..
Sorry for the bit of fun...

 

[Vogon poetry]

A tight fit really isn't an issue unless it just moves/vibrates on the sump and is just annoying..
Sorry for the bit of fun...

Thanks man. All good. I


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[Vogon poetry]

Thanks man. All good. IView attachment 356558View attachment 356558


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Just realized this app automatically sent shots before I could hit send myself. Anyways at least you guys see how tight the fit is. Cheers


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[Sk8r]

Just valve it down: won't hurt the pump. That tank can take about 1000 gph, maybe a little less. Back when I first set up my 52 with a 2400 gph pump, it bid fair to blow water right out of the tank and across the living room. I valved it down. Got a 105 gallon (basement sump) and now I use it wide open.

 

[Vogon poetry]

Thanks Sk8r. You made me laugh even though your unexpected gusher must have been not too funny at the time. I'll get a ball valve


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[Bono]

At almost 300 Watts running 24/7 why not sell or trade for something smaller. I'd also be concerned about the amount of heat it puts out.

 

[C.Eymann]

At almost 300 Watts running 24/7 why not sell or trade for something smaller. I'd also be concerned about the amount of heat it puts out.

Definitely some solid points, especially about the heat, those magdrives are great pumps reliability wise, not exactly efficient though, they can practically double duty as a pump and heater.

 

[Vogon poetry]

Geez. Def something to consider. Great points. This is such a great forum. Yeah, its a beast. I'm sure I can get a great return that uses less energy and has a smaller footprint


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[SFish]

Thanks Sk8r. You made me laugh even though your unexpected gusher must have been not too funny at the time. I'll get a ball valve


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Gate valve. Better control. Also I would set it up like this

 

[SFish]

Thanks man. All good. IView attachment 356558View attachment 356558


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That's not that bad. I will have less space then that.