Optimum flow rate for 55 gal tank?

[Porkibear]

Hi RCers,

I'm planning on upgrading a few things on my tank setup...namely a new return pump, setting up a new return flow distribution system, and a new overflow. My current pump is really old, and I'm pretty sure the GPH flow rate has lessened quite a bit. My return line is only a single output location, so I'm looking to fabricate a multiple output return system made out of PVC piping. I also need a continuous overflow which can handle a higher flow rate.

So I head over to my LFS, and the owner recommends 6 times the tank capacity (55 gal). This means, technically I should be around 330 GPH based on his recommendations. He then "recommends" I buy a Rio return pump which has a flow rate of 1350 GPH. This is about 4-5 times more than what he recommended to me in the first place in regards to optimum flow rate!

I need to look at this with a clear view from RCers. I'm thinking he's trying to push a more expensive pump just for the sale. =( What do you guys think?

 

[demonsp]

The return from the sump is for the sump health.Dont use it for water movement.It may help but for proper flow you need a Big pump and if its submerged it will only add to the tanks temp.Its better to get an adiquite return pump for sump flow and get some powerheads for water movement. You want good flow around the whl tank from front to back for bettr long term results.
Exchange is not the same as water movement as moany newbies get confused and refuse to beleive.

 

[batam]

what my LFS recommended

what my LFS recommended

I just spoke with the manager of my LFS last evening on the same topic. I have a 92g with a 20g sump. He recommended a Mag pump that pumps 700 gph. He also recommended 2 powerheads for my tank for water movement.

I'm not getting the powerheads this month...maybe next.

As for the return pump....I found the exact same pump online for about $40 cheaper, so I'll buy it there. I'll buy livestock at my LFS.

I would agree about buying a larger pump for pump health. You want a pump that will not break down quickly because of the load it must move.

 

[demonsp]

Re: what my LFS recommended

Re: what my LFS recommended

I would have got my powerheads before the sump if it was money.Flow is more important and in a new setup a sump can wait.With low flow you may get major algea blooms that will need to be cured before adding stock. In this case LFS was right.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11617088#post11617088 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by batam
I just spoke with the manager of my LFS last evening on the same topic. I have a 92g with a 20g sump. He recommended a Mag pump that pumps 700 gph. He also recommended 2 powerheads for my tank for water movement.

I'm not getting the powerheads this month...maybe next.

As for the return pump....I found the exact same pump online for about $40 cheaper, so I'll buy it there. I'll buy livestock at my LFS.

I would agree about buying a larger pump for pump health. You want a pump that will not break down quickly because of the load it must move.

 

[jubjub]

heck i got a mag 9.5 in my tank i have it split back out to my fuge, but im only running 2x koralia 2's.... i think i have a bit much in all honesty but i planned gettin stuff thats a bit bigger planning to upgrade to a 90'ish in a few years....