I'm setting up a 150g tank that measures 60x24x24 and the sump will be 39Lx16wx15h. I'm going to use the Vectra M1 pump which has a max flow of 2000gph. My question is, would I use this pump at full throttle or do I need to back it off for sump efficiency? If not full throttle, what percentage would you recommend? I have some SPS, LPS, and a few softies that will be transferring over from my current tank. Thanks!
Return pump flow for Sump efficiency
- Thread starter cincyjim
- Start date
RobZilla04
Active member
You'll need to dial in base on the max rate that can flow from the DT into the sump. Dialing back is preferred IMO. Running at 100% all the time will reduce the life span of the pump.
The tank's overflow is rated at 2500gph so basically the pump will be used at around 40%. I'm really wanting to maximize the sump's efficiency more than anything. Maybe I'll set up the GFO and Carbon reactors off of it then to eliminate those pumps. Thanks for the responses!
Green Chromis
New member
:fish1: Hi cincy, the flow rate of the pump to the tank, will also depend on the head pressure from the pump to the tank. If these pumps are not pressure rated, don't count on a lot of flow to your tank, you may have to run the pump at 100% for any flow, depending on your head pressure on the pump. :fish1:
That is true, thanks for pointing that out. Basically, the stand is 36" high, then the tank will be 24" high, and I figure there will be at least 2 90 degree elbows and probably 2 or so 45 degree elbows. I'm not too sure what that equates to in terms of reduced flow, maybe something like 1000gph reduction, so it appears that I'll need more than 40% of pump's power.
Potatohead
New member
Head height is measured from the top of the water in the sump, so it will be about a foot less than as described above.
