how big a pump to use

[scarygary]

I have a 26gal w/a 10 gal sump. what size return pump should I use and is there a formula for the amount of flow

 

[Nereaga]

What is the drain line diameter? 1''? 1'' can usually handle 600gph or so...

 

[scarygary]

yes 1" I was afraid that would be too much water movement at 600 gph

 

[Nereaga]

Well how many feet are you pumping? If you get a 600gph pump and have to pump 4ft, you are only looking to actually get about 300-350gph after head loss. You can always go bigger on the pump and just put a ball valve in line so you can adjust the flow.

I ran a mag 7 with a 1'' drain and ran the pump wide open and the 1'' drain kept up with the pump...

Brad

 

[scarygary]

I'm pumping about four ft

 

[BrianOKC]

How much flow do you want to run through the sump? The more flow through that small of a sump , the higher chances your going to have bubbles entering the display tank. I think a Mag 5 would be plenty with 4' head loss your looking at around 300GPH.

 

[Newreeflady]

I have a 20g with 10g sump and am running an Eheim 1262 with no problems, no bubbles. I have two 1" drains, but I used to run this pump on another tank with only 1 1" drain, no problems.