Hey guys, I wanna do a fish/reef setup with a 55 gallon tank and 20 gallon sump. I'm currently looking for a return pump and the quieter and more efficient the better. I read a lot of good things about Eheim and been thinking of getting an Eheim 1262 (900gph). I'm also planning on getting a glasholes 700gph overflow kit. Will this setup work? I just got into this hobby and got tons of questions, this is just one of many lol. Any help is appreciated! Mahalo!
Return pump for my 55g tank.
- Thread starter LikeWater
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tanzer16
Member
I'm in the same spot as you......and have many of the same questions. Beginning to collect bits and pieces for my 55g build as well.........planning a 20g long sump. So far, I picked up a few power heads from big al's that are on sale and just got my return pump. I don't think you can go wrong with an Eheim from what I've read, but I got a maxijet 1800 on amazon for 44 bucks.....just hope it's powerful enough. Beginning to think twice about it given the head loss at four feet.
tanzer16
Member
Are you planning on drilling your tank? I looked at exact same setup from glass holes, which is a great vendor with a great product, but I have yet to determine for sure if my side glass is tempered or not. Ive read where most 55's are.....so be careful and be sure . If mine is tempered , I was considering life reef overflow . Be curious to hear more about what you find out and what path you are taking
SaltyReefDog
New member
You will be fine with the maxijet 1800 on that tank. I run the same pump on my 75g reef with 40g sump. Sump flow thru rate is a topic that is debated a lot on here.
IMO there is no reason to run a power hungry pump and push lots of flow thru the sump. If you want more flow in the display you are much better off using more energy efficient power heads for in tank circulation. I like to size my return pumps to flow roughly what the skimmers GPH process rate is. This usually equates to 3-5 times turnover per hour. The higher percentage of water the skimmer can process in one pass and send back up to the tank clean the better.
A slower flow thru rate will let detritus settle out in the sump instead of being recirculated over and over again (assuming you are not running filter socks). This makes the settled out detritus a breeze to remove at water change time.
Another plus you are much less likely to encounter micro bubbles when not trying to push that much flow thru a small sump.
Like I said this is my opinion. I am sure someone will chime in and say to run a higher rate thru the sump. This is fine if that is what you want. It has been shown time and time again there are 100 ways to do anything in this hobby, and really only you can decide what works best in your situation.
Happy reefing!:thumbsup:
IMO there is no reason to run a power hungry pump and push lots of flow thru the sump. If you want more flow in the display you are much better off using more energy efficient power heads for in tank circulation. I like to size my return pumps to flow roughly what the skimmers GPH process rate is. This usually equates to 3-5 times turnover per hour. The higher percentage of water the skimmer can process in one pass and send back up to the tank clean the better.
A slower flow thru rate will let detritus settle out in the sump instead of being recirculated over and over again (assuming you are not running filter socks). This makes the settled out detritus a breeze to remove at water change time.
Another plus you are much less likely to encounter micro bubbles when not trying to push that much flow thru a small sump.
Like I said this is my opinion. I am sure someone will chime in and say to run a higher rate thru the sump. This is fine if that is what you want. It has been shown time and time again there are 100 ways to do anything in this hobby, and really only you can decide what works best in your situation.
Happy reefing!:thumbsup:
tanzer16
Member
Thank you for your reply......I feel much better having read your post. I have read many posts on here and have done quite a bit of research......and I am learning more and more like most of us are each and every day. I was shooting for a 3 to 5 times turnover in the sump and that's why this particular pump for the price stuck out at me. Being so new at this and having to purchase pretty much everything can be overwhelming......and with each purchase I make, I question whether it is or will be the right fit. I guess that's what makes this hobby so intriguing and absolutely fascinating......putting all of the pieces together....fine tuning them.....and learning from the entire system
^Yes! That's exactly what I'm experiencing as well. I don't know why I didn't get into this hobby sooner!
Anyway,originally I was planning to do an over the back overflow but I recently chose to drill, because so many people suggested that over the HOB method. That's when I decided to look into the glass holes overflow kits. Not sure if my 55g tank glass is tempered either but I'll try the polarized sunglasses test tomorrow morning.
As far as the flow through rate, that's the thing that always throws me off.
Would slapping a ball valve on the 1262 (900gph max head. 665gph @ 4ft) be alright? That way I'll be able to control the return flow rate if it's too much.
Is it really worth the money buying the 700gph glass holes overflow kit? Eheim 1262? Suggestions? are there better alternatives? I can't make decide for sure right now but I know that I MUST have a pump that is quiet and efficient.
Anyway,originally I was planning to do an over the back overflow but I recently chose to drill, because so many people suggested that over the HOB method. That's when I decided to look into the glass holes overflow kits. Not sure if my 55g tank glass is tempered either but I'll try the polarized sunglasses test tomorrow morning.
As far as the flow through rate, that's the thing that always throws me off.
Would slapping a ball valve on the 1262 (900gph max head. 665gph @ 4ft) be alright? That way I'll be able to control the return flow rate if it's too much.
Is it really worth the money buying the 700gph glass holes overflow kit? Eheim 1262? Suggestions? are there better alternatives? I can't make decide for sure right now but I know that I MUST have a pump that is quiet and efficient.
Another thing! I'm going to be using a protein skimmer in my sump but I also have two Penguin bio filters (200 and 150) as well as a Magnum 350 Canister filter laying around. Would it be necessary to also use those filters? Would it be better? Could I use it in sump or HOB of the display tank only?
Lig
New member
You won't need to run any hob filters. You could run the Magnum occasionally for water polishing if you'd like, but you wont need to run it either.
tanzer16
Member
+1
I don't think the HOB units will be needed at all if you're planning a sump, though I think the canister would come in handy occasionally used with floss only. Have you planned your sump yet? I'm still contemplating whether to put fuge in middle or in last section......I've seen both ways. As far as the tempered glass goes, I did the polarized sunglass trick and I'm still not completely confident nor sure whether it's tempered. I think I'm going to try and take it to a glass place and get it tested before I make a definite decision. As for your pump selection......it does sound a bit powerful for a 55, though adding a ball valve to control output is an option. Some people seem to have no issue with it, while others feel that it's bad for the pump to restrict it like that. Hope some others with more experience can chime in on that one. Good luck with everything and keep posting with what you decide
I don't think the HOB units will be needed at all if you're planning a sump, though I think the canister would come in handy occasionally used with floss only. Have you planned your sump yet? I'm still contemplating whether to put fuge in middle or in last section......I've seen both ways. As far as the tempered glass goes, I did the polarized sunglass trick and I'm still not completely confident nor sure whether it's tempered. I think I'm going to try and take it to a glass place and get it tested before I make a definite decision. As for your pump selection......it does sound a bit powerful for a 55, though adding a ball valve to control output is an option. Some people seem to have no issue with it, while others feel that it's bad for the pump to restrict it like that. Hope some others with more experience can chime in on that one. Good luck with everything and keep posting with what you decide
SaltyReefDog
New member
Yes be sure it is not polarized before drilling or you will find out real quick if it is. If you are unsure after looking at it you can always try calling the manufacture. This can be a craps shoot sometimes.
IMO the Eheim 1262 will to much flow for that tank. Plus the footprint of that pump is rather large. I am guessing it will take up a lot of space in the 20 gallons return chamber. Eheim's are great pumps, very quite and durable. I would look into a Eheim Compact Plus 2000 or 3000 pump. They have a nice small footprint, consumes less energy, and have a adjustable flow rate.
If you like to DIY stuff you can always make your own overflow. You can either build a smaller box or do a coast to coast setup. If you are confident to silicone glass together it is a pretty easy project. I had all the glass cut for my sump baffles, and coast to coast overflow for $30 locally.
The need to run the filters is not really necessary. If you want a means of mechanical filtration to remove small particles I would suggest running a filter sock. If you do run a filter sock remember it will need to be changed out often.
Happy Reefing!
SaltyReefDog
New member
Thanks for the reply. In that case I'll probably just keep em stores then. Once I have everything else set up maybe I can hook em up for a bit just to see what kind of difference it makes.
Yea, I'm also not fully confident in whether or not my glass is tempered after that polarized test. Probably take it to a glass shop to get it confirmed. Anyway, Thanks I'll definitely keep you updated man.
I read the Eheim Compacts aren't that quiet and the quality ain't up to par with the universals though. Would a 1260 be sufficient enough for my return? What's the minimum gph would you recommend for my pump?
I've thought of DIYing it. Doesn't look that difficult, but at the same time I want a quality overflow box that will work. Is it ok if you share with me your overflow design and how you did it? =).
As far as the other filters. I'll keep em stored then for now.
And much thanks Salty for the quick responses! You have been super helpful! :beer:
I run a 1260 on my 50 cube, great pump and perfectly sized for your 55 imho
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