Max flow from this setup

[1974kvt]

This is the setup for my 50g tank. Only room for 1 drain in overflow box. I went with 1.5" bulkhead. Because I want to use the flex hose I'm reducing it down to 1". What size pump should u get will a Mag 7 work?

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[fishgate]

Mag 7 is fine you might have to crank it back a bit. I have a mag 7 with a 1" pipe as well. Usually I have it flat out though.

 

[1974kvt]

What size is your return? I was planning on 3/4" return split into two 1/2" .

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[stancfii]

Mag 5 would be more than enough. You don't need 10x going through your sump--it only creates more noise and prevents your skimmer from doing a good job. 200-300gph would be plenty for your tank.

 

[1974kvt]

Thanks

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[fishgate]

What size is your return? I was planning on 3/4" return split into two 1/2" .

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My return is a single 1/2" flexible tube.

 

[fishgate]

Mag 5 would be more than enough. You don't need 10x going through your sump--it only creates more noise and prevents your skimmer from doing a good job. 200-300gph would be plenty for your tank.

I don't understand this. How does flow effect skimmer performance?

 

[ganjero]

I don't understand this. How does flow effect skimmer performance?

There is a theory that if the flow going through your sump is higher than the gph of your skimmer's pump some water will go through "unskimmed" hence affecting the full efficiency of the skimmer.

That said, the other theory is that if the flow is higher that "unskimmed" water will return faster to the sump and get skimmed at some point. Our tanks are closed systems so whether the water is in the display or the sump it doesn't really matter how fast is going through a specific point, it will pass through the skimmer at some point. If we had open system where the water only goes through the sump once or sporadically it will be a different story.

That it's just a brief explanation, you should search it if you want to read more about it.

 

[stancfii]

I agree with the first of the theories, but at any rate, if it all eventually gets skimmed, why max out your overflow and have the aquarium sound like Niagara falls? Most people do that to skimp out on having to buy powerheads to create the much needed flow inside the DT.