Looking for return pump info

[forrestcook]

Ok... I've tried google and I've perused the pages here. I'll get that out of the way.

I'm building a 40 breeder setup with a 29 sump (filled 9" high). The next part I'm buying is the return pump. The only brand that has been suggested to me is eheim by a LFS owner. I'm torn because I don't know how much of that is profit seeking.

I would love brand suggestions as well as flow. I want to have an anemone (possibly) and frogspawn, hammers, zoos etc... Not looking to jump into sps right away. I'm just clueless as this will be my first go and I don't have much direction here.

oh yeah, the sump will be DIY (haven't bought my baffles yet) so the footprint isn't so much of an issue. I do want it to be in sump though.

 

[D to the P]

What is the internal diameter of the hole that the water will be draining out of from the tank into the sump? That is the best way to determine what size pump you will need.
As far as brands go, Eheims are very good, but the price comes along with that. I've used Supreme Mag Drives and have had no issues. But there are many good pumps to choose from.

The return pump will also not be the sole source of water flow in the tank. So expect to have to use power heads in conjunction with that pump in order to achieve the flow you will need.