Maximizing flow through a tank

[pezcubano]

I have a 75 Gallon with a 20 gallon sump and I'm trying to devise the best way to get flow going through my tank in preperation for corals.

Do you think my 20 Gallon Sump can handle a 950 g/hr. return pump, if it has 2 HOB drains feeding it?

Should I look to purchase a powerhead to ensure that if my filtration system doesn't give enough flow, at lease I'll have a powerhead moving water around?

Thanks!!!

 

[jer77]

I have a mag 9.5 in my 20 gallon sump and it seems to work ine, but I have the return hooked up to a manifold so there is a lot of head pressure which lessens the flow. I'd suggest maybe a mag 7 or an eheim 1260. Definatley you will have to add some powerheads, like tunze or seio M series, especially if you cannot build a closed loop. Try and get 2-3 powerheads in a 75 gallon.

 

[sirreal63]

Trying to run all of the flow your tank needs through the sump is insane. Read this thread and you will see things in a different way.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=550482
I run about 400 gph from the 125 through the 30 gallon sump. You need water movement in the display but not that much in the sump. carefully places correct powerheads will yield better results and use much less elect. FWIW Mags are the best heaters sold. I use a Mag 7 for mixing water change water and use no heater...the Mag heats the water to the perfect temp overnight.

Use the Eheim it is a much better choice and if you have too much flow for your overflow then add a Tee with a ball valve to control it and let the excess flow stay in the sump to help it circulate.

I have systematically eliminated every Mag from my system. They do however make great heaters and salt mixers.

 

[8BALL_99]

Sirreal63 is right on.. When I first got started I did the Exact same thing.. I had a mag12 on a 72gallon.. It worked but it was just a stupid, risky, loud setup.. I now use small Eheims for all my return pumps..For a 75 gallon a 1250 would probably be about right. But like stated above you could always get a 1260 and just dial it back a little.

I also use my mag pumps to mix salt now or even better I moved a couple of them to my fish pound where the belong lol.. But really they are pretty good cheap pumps.. They are just loud and get super hot.. Put one in a trash can or bucket.. you will be amazed at the heat.

 

[pezcubano]

Thanks for the tips. I'm trying to avoid excessive heat as I have MH's hanging above, so it sounds like the mag is not a good idea. I want to avoid a chiller at all costs...

Other people have recommended Ehiems to me as well. I will look into them, specifically the 1250. I'm planning to supplement the flow in the display with Koralia powerheads to give a nice spread out flow.

Jerr77, thanks for the tips on the bio balls as well. They will start coming out tomorrow.

Thanks!!!