Return Pump / Equipment Suggestion

[bwade209]

Hi all, I'm getting a tank started after taking a 5 year break and want to do it RIGHT this time so I can enjoy it rather than create another headache.

DC pumps are a new concept to me. Are they just hype or worth getting? Also wondering what flow rate I should be looking at getting with a return pump? One thing that used to DRIVE ME CRAZY with all of my past tanks were deadspots and detrius buildup despite running 6+ ugly bulky powerheads and 2 mag 18 return pumps. I just want to do it right the first time now.

Also should I run 2 return pumps (1 for each return line bulkhead) or just 1 higher powered pump and split the return line? ....or run an SCWD or something similiar?

A few specs with what I'm working with...

90 gallon tank 48x24x18
40 gallon 2 chamber sump
Center overflow with 2" drains
2x 1.5" bulkheads in the back glass panel for return lines
Would be approx 4' climb from sump to return bulkheads
Vertex Omega 130 skimmer
2x MP40W ES
APEX AquaController

Thinking of going with a Gyre on one side and the 2 MP40W's on the back? or would that be complete overkill? I could always just tone it down to 20-30% ...or would running it so low be a waste?

I plan on having it pretty stocked with fish and for coral, mostly zoas, and other softies but MIGHT want a few colorful sticks....eventually.

Thanks in advanced!

 

[Mark Bianco]

I have a good friend that put one of the new Gyre powerhead on her 75 gl similar to your dims. It was amazing even at 30 percent it had no problems reaching cross the entire tank. She runs this and one Ehime pump for the one return line located on the other side of the tank. If you have any questions about it look up Nina51 I myself is considering removing my wavebox from my 210 and replacing it with the new larger model when they become available

 

[Wazzel]

1 pump should be fine. If it were me I would look to run between 5x and 10x the tank volume through the sump per hour. I run about 6x on my current tank (60 gal). If you run to much through the sump you will have noise and bubble issues.

 

[ca1ore]

Trying to get the main return pump to provide a material portion of in-tank flow is pointless IME. I go for a flow of 3-5 times tank volume through the sump per hour. Main return pump is amongst the most critical of equipment - reliability thus paramount! I'd not use a DC pump; or if I did, I would keep a spare on hand. In-tank flow is better accomplished through various power-heads. Avoiding dead spots is simply about alternating flow.

 

[Mrramsey]

I run a scicce HF10 for a return that branches into 4 return heads. I run about 6-7x DT flow through the sump. Why 4 return heads?... initially thought it would help with as part of the overall flow rate but in the end it was more for even distribution across the tank. Since they all have their own shutoff valves I can increase or decrease some flow in specific areas.The biggest thing there is making sure that your protein skimmer is somewhat matched to your sump flow... at least that's what I have been told.

Hindsight being 20/20 a Scicce synchra 5.0 would have been a better choice. I also have 2 Jebao wp-25 wavemakers that do a pretty good job but I think I will add one more wp-10 maybe. I think the 2 mp40's and gyre would be way too much for a 90g.

 

[ca1ore]

The biggest thing there is making sure that your protein skimmer is somewhat matched to your sump flow... at least that's what I have been told.

Long perpetuated myth, with no basis in fact, I'm afraid ...

 

[Mrramsey]

Yeah figures lol... There are a lot of those in this hobby.

 

[janes_mw]

On my 120 I run a Panworld 100, but if I had to do again, I would look at the Fluval SeaSP4. It is an Askol based pump. On my new build, I am going with the SP6. I might try a DC pump in a few years, but not yet in my opinion. Most my pumps over the past 25 years have never failed (little Giant, panworld, dart, and tunze).

 

[Raul-7]

I agree; Fluval SP series is the way to go. Robust, Askoll based, quiet and powerful.

I'm using an SP6 on my breeding rack.