How much flow for 800g tank through return pump?

D

d-man

Active member
How much flow should I be going for for my return pump?
I want internal, will do 2 if need be. I will have plenty of internal flow from powerheads, so no need for extra on the return there. I may just have the return dedicated to the tank, and run my external skimmer pump T'd to GAC and BIOpellets

Thanks
Derek
 
I'm using two Jebao DC9000s on a tank with roughly 650 gallons total system volume.

Could probably use two DC12000s. I have slower flow through the sump, since I have A LOT of slow in the tank.
 
I'm scared to use jebaos for a return. I'll use for powerhead, but if it stops flow from return that's not too good.
Was thinking a fluval sp6. Didn't know if I could get away with just 1 or needed 2.
The height would be just shy of 4' straight up. Only 1 elbow most likely
 
Of those two, the Fluval will be a much more reliable option and given your tank size, you'd be running the DC pump at full speed anyway.

I would suggest 4- 5x turnover or 3200-4000 GPH. As such, the Fluval would be undersized. You could use two of the SP6's though which would get you a combined about 4600 GPH at your head.

If it were me, I'd be looking at a Hammerhead Gold which is external or an RD3 230 pump. I've run both the Hammerhead and currently the RD3's. Both are very powerful pumps and meet your needs in terms of flow at your head height. The RD3 can be run internally too but it's very expensive as it's made by Royal Exclusiv in Germany. Another great option would be the Abyzz A400 but that thing is even more expensive.
 
I like the idea of running two smaller pumps over one large. No matter which brand of pump. Failures can and do happen.
 
I have never seen the need to run much more water through the return pump than the skimmer can process. If the skimmer can run 1000g/hr through it then I think any more than double is overkill and just adds to increased noise. I do agree and like 2 return pumps over one and made this change when my sole return pump crapped out at 9pm on a Saturday night.

There are a lot of good choices out there and sleif named a few. You might also want to consider a couple of the Ecotech M1's. 2 of the Fluval SP4s would also be a solid choice. If you choose a single pump option, make sure you buy a back up to have on hand, just in case.
 
Great guys Thx for the responses. IM just not a fan of anything external. Too much of a risk in my book. Something leaks or breaks, water all over the floor is so detrimental. Even my external skimmer will be put inside the sump(deal was too good to pass up, or I would have gone internal skimmer)
I also like running 2 pumps, as well as 2 skimmers usually as well.
 
d-man said:
Great guys Thx for the responses. IM just not a fan of anything external. Too much of a risk in my book. Something leaks or breaks, water all over the floor is so detrimental. Even my external skimmer will be put inside the sump(deal was too good to pass up, or I would have gone internal skimmer)
I also like running 2 pumps, as well as 2 skimmers usually as well.
Click to expand...

Understandable.. My only comment would be that in 27+ years of running external pumps, I've never had a leak as a result of one.
 
slief said:
Understandable.. My only comment would be that in 27+ years of running external pumps, I've never had a leak as a result of one.
Click to expand...
I have to admit, too that I have never seen a leak result in anything more than salt creep from the bearing.

That said, Sanjay lost a bearing on one of his Reeflo's and he was loosing water at a catastrophic rate. First I ever heard but it shows what is possible.
 
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