Opinions on "optimal" 10X return pump on water volume

[RioReefr]

I was watching a Marine Depot video, and they said the optimal water turnover per hour should be 10X your tank water volume. Things like height of pump, elbow joints, vertical/horizontal flow of tubing, size of tubing all diminish the flow rate so the size of the return pump actually needs to be much stronger than just the water tank volume.

That being said, I decided to upgrade my return pump in my 32G to a 400Gph return pump (the previous one was 250Gph). The water travels vertically up 20" into one singular elbow using 5/8" using clear vinyl tubing (not PVC).

I am wondering if I am now getting "optimal" 10x flow rate in my tank and if their is calculator that I can plug these number into?? I think there a Bernoulli Fluid Dynamics equation, just not sure how to calculate pressure and such.

 

[cody6766]

Unless you're trying to nail an exact 10x flow as its own project, I wouldn't waste a lot of thought on it. If you're anywhere in the ballpark, you'll be just fine. Also, that target isn't a need, it's just a recommendation. I had a very successful 120g tank with a 650 gph return. My main flow source for that tank came from my powerheads instead of the sump. You just have to make sure you're getting water movement from somewhere.

 

[reefgeezer]

Unless you're trying to nail an exact 10x flow as its own project, I wouldn't waste a lot of thought on it. If you're anywhere in the ballpark, you'll be just fine. Also, that target isn't a need, it's just a recommendation. I had a very successful 120g tank with a 650 gph return. My main flow source for that tank came from my powerheads instead of the sump. You just have to make sure you're getting water movement from somewhere.

I always choose a pump that is rated at something more than 5X at a head height equal to the top of the tank & call it good. 10X, IMO, is excessive. My 90 (maybe 100 gallons total water volume) runs on a return pump that is rated for 525 GPH @ 4'.

 

[nereefpat]

Here is a head loss calculator: http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/head-loss-calculator

As Cody said, most of your flow comes from powerheads in the display, so 10x through the sump isn't really necessary. As long as it's a couple times an hour or more, so things stay heated, skimmed, mixed, etc...it's probably fine.

 

[cvrle1]

As mentioned, 10X is a bit too much for most tanks. I believe it is part of Triton method, and a lot of folks dont follow it any more. Some have only 2x, depending on their setup. Most aim for about 4-5x. More important is turnover rate in display generated by powerheads/wavemakers. Use those to get proper turnover rate, and not DT-Sump flow.

 

[RioReefr]

BTW, I do not have a sump. I forgot to mention this is an AIO tank with 4 back chambers. The return chamber is where I placed this return pump:

Uniclife 400 GPH Submersible Water Pump (Max Lift 7ft). It returns to a nozzle tube (w/10 holes) and I am unable to see the bottom with the surface agitation.

Wavemakers:

Hydor Koralia Nano 425 gph (Left Side)
Hydor Aqamai KPS Wi-Fi Pump variable 370-1050 gph (Right Side)

Also in a way, I am "trying" to follow the Triton-Method. My 3rd chamber contains MarinePure, AmphiPods, Chaeto and Mangrove Plant.

Attached are photos.

Everything I have read states that "Flow" is most important in the health of reef tank, so I am trying to maximize this as much as possible.

 

[RioReefr]

In my searching, I have found that the correct term I should have used is "turnover ratio" not "flow". Anyway, everything out says you should try to achieve a turnover ratio of 10x tank volume.

As for "flow", this is where wavemakers are needed. Ecomarine has a handy little calculator to determine the optimal flow rate:

https://ecotechmarine.com/vortech-flow-calculator

Given their recommended calculations (693 gph for LPS) I will probably get myself another Aqamai KPS variable pump. I have been pleased with the price (~$100), performance and low profile of this pump. EcoMarine products are very nice, but too expensive considering the size of my tank.

 

[reefster828]

There is a recent brs video, like within the last couple of weeks, that says 3-5x is "œthe new optimal"


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[smatter]

I have 20x going through my sump :eek2:.

 

[RioReefr]

David Saxby (famous amazing 6000L aquarium) says his turn-over 100,000L which is 14X. But overall water in the system is 15000L, which is 6.7X.

I guess it depends on total system water volume or just the water volume in your DT.

Given other factors like gravity, filtration, tubing friction, bla, bla....all this has to be taken into a consideration. I suppose you will hear all kinds of different answers b/c of all the factors involved.

I pretty much just wanted to know if a 400gph return pump would be okay for a 32G reef tank and I "think" it is within range. The 250gph seemed to under-performing.

 

[RobZilla04]

Worth a watch...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_4HDtW3xZ8

 

[mcgyvr]

My opinion is that opinions are just opinions..
I have not seen any proof/facts as to why 10x or even 3-5x or anything else is "optimal"..