Pump Replacent - Need some recommendations

[gummi]

I have a 65 gallon with a return pump moving 1580+ GPH (GenX GX6000). I had my system analysed by a good friend and I'm moving way too much water for my system so I'm looking at downgrading my pump. I have micro-bubble city in my show tank which seems to be the result of too much water moving and not enough time to 'dissolve' the bubbles before they're pumped back into the show tank.

1. How much flow do I need to run without powerheads? I'm thinking 600 - 700 GPH is plenty
2. What pump would you recommend? I've heard the Eheims are the best keeping in mind I'd like a quiet one that has a 1 inch out
3. Is it possible to get an adjustble flow rate?

Comments?

 

[McCrary]

If the sump is only 20 gallons I would aim for putting about 200gph through it. Sumps are built for filtration and most people think that the return from the sump can double as a powerhead or CL. Get a Eheim 1250 or a small external pump for your sump, not something that is going to push massive amounts of water through the sump, it should also really help with your microbubble problem.

 

[sjm817]

Wow. That is a HUUUUUGE return pump for that setup! Yeah, cut that way down.

 

[klam114]

I agree with TS, the Eheim 1250 is more than adequate as a return pump and it is quiet. Rule of thumb is 3x-5x turnover of your display tank running through your sump, so return pump should be approximately 200gph-300gph range.

For powerheads inside the tank, you can makeup the rest from 600gph-1,200gph (similar to what you had before, but water movement is restricted within the tank).