gph and turnover rate questions

[supertech99]

I have the happy problem of having 2 return pumps and can't decide between them. I know I want as much turnover as I can get but the bigger pump comes with drawbacks like increased noise both from the pump and increased gurgle from the overflow as the bigger pump seems almost too much for my overflow. This tank is going in the main livingroom so noise will be an issue. This will be a FOWLR with sand substrate.

Not including "head presshure"
782 gph rio 2500
ac 402 power head at 210gph
55gal tank
=18x/hr

950 gph pump
same power head as above
same tank
=21.1x/hr

I have seen some posts that claim 55 times turnover on some big tanks! Do I need some more powerheads to supplement? can i go with the smaller pump and still have adequate turnover?

 

[fallinapart]

I would go with the quieter pump and just put a power head on each end of the 55 gal. I use the Hydor Koralia 4 on each end of the 55 gal I have plus a big canister filter for water flow through a sump on my fowler tank.

Norman

 

[sandalscout]

If it's FOWLR, I too would just go with the quieter pump, turnover isn't quite as important as with an SPS tank for example.