Plumbing help for 180 gallon tank

[MarineGirl411]

I was needing some help deciding how to plumb this tank. I know you want slow flow through the sump,but I am not sure how to do it with this aquarium. It is a 180g RR aquarium. I am not sure what return pump to use. I know each overflow drains 1200gph, but I know you don't want all that through the sump. I'd appreciate anyone's help. Thank you.

 

[FishTruck]

I run about 1000 gph through my sump for a 300 gallon tank and 500 gallon system.

I would shoot for about 300 gph (600 at most) through the sump for your tank. The less that goes through, the less trouble you will have with microbubbles etc..

I will be interested to see what others do.

 

[MarineGirl411]

What return pump would you run?

 

[wetWolger]

I personally think it depends more on your overflow size, and your sump size than your tank size.

As long as your overflows are large enough that they wont sound like a river. And your sump is large enough to prevent the fast water speed and micro bubbles....then the more flow the better.

Personally on my 180gal tank I have a 75gal sump. I am able to run about 1200gph through the sump without issues from the overflow sounds or microbubbles (in fact the sump feels like a gentle flow of water in most places).

I am running two velocity PS2 pumps which are 680GPH at 3' head (i think). They do add heat, but they are also the quietest pump I have ever hard. I am very happy with my pump and flow selection. I plan to eventually replace my skimmer pump with the same velocity pumps I am using for my return (again, trying to make things quieter).

 

[qy7400]

I used a Reeflo Snapper, fed the return, chiller and reactors (carbon/phosban); used a ball valve to slow the return to where I liked it.

 

[FishTruck]

If you are going to run a higher rate, like 1200 gph, through your sump - I would guess the idea would be to have good in tank flow as a result... therefore... in that scenario.... you might consider putting some penductors on your return nozzles. This will create maybe 4000 gph of intake flow. Like a "free tunze". This would cost you about 4 feet of head pressure (if I remember correctly).

I like reeflo pumps too.

Other considerations would be what else you plan to feed from this pump. Will it feed your skimmer? Media reactors? Calcium Reactor? If so... extra capacity is nice.

 

[FishTruck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15710959#post15710959 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wetWolger
I personally think it depends more on your overflow size, and your sump size than your tank size.

As long as your overflows are large enough that they wont sound like a river. And your sump is large enough to prevent the fast water speed and micro bubbles....then the more flow the better.

Well put!

One thing though...

Careful if you plan to have a refugium in your sump. Most people suggest that one does want slower flow there.

 

[rolodex1]

I have a 125g RR and I'm running a Blue Line 55 for circulation and a Blue Line 20 for the Chiller, PhosBan, Carbon, and UV.

 

[rolodex1]

Here is a shot of the back during the build.

 

[MarineGirl411]

Thank you very much for showing me your system. It looks beautiful. That gives me a better idea. We have never plumbed a big system.