Return Pump Help Needed, pls!

[Punchanello]

Hi all, I'd be grateful for some advice.

I'm really struggling to work out what I will need in terms of a return pump. The Reef Central calculator helps a bit but the maths still elude me.

Just to break it down:

- I have a 500 lt DT with a 200lt in cabinet sump. The return pipe is roughly 4 foot from sump to DT.

- I want to install a return manifold that tees off to a pipe for water changes (discard water) and a second tee to 3-4 reactors. That's a total 6 tee's and 7 ball or gate valves.

- The DT already has 4 small pumps built in to the back wall recirculating water and I will have two Maxspect Gyre 230s. So I'm not concerned about getting flow in the DT, rather, moving water through the sump at a slowish rate to make the most of biological filtration down there (refugium with chaeto and Marinepure blocks).

Here's a link to the tank:

https://www.cadeaustralia.com.au/product-page/cade-pro-reef-pr1500

 

[Punchanello]

Ok, so my question is, all things being equal and if manufacturers return pumps deliver what they advertise, what sort of flow rate should I be looking at here? Is there a difference between the AC and DC offerings in terms of suitability for this?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[thegrun]

DC pumps will allow you to increase or decrease the flow rate and they run a little more efficiently than AC pumps, but the difference is not as much as often stated when you factor in the power supply. I still prefer the tried and true Eheim pumps, an Eheim 1262 would be perfect for your tank. You are looking for about 2000-2500 lt per hour delivered to the display.

 

[davocean]

Yep, agree, while many seem to be moving towards Dc's for reason stated, I still prefer Eheim's, they are just so well proven over time.

I'm looking for a deal for a 1262 myself right now, can't find anyone selling a used one, there's a good reason for that!

It's one of the very few things I will buy used w/out hesitation.

 

[Punchanello]

DC pumps will allow you to increase or decrease the flow rate and they run a little more efficiently than AC pumps, but the difference is not as much as often stated when you factor in the power supply. I still prefer the tried and true Eheim pumps, an Eheim 1262 would be perfect for your tank. You are looking for about 2000-2500 lt per hour delivered to the display.

Thanks for the info. The Eheim is listed at 3400 l/h output. Is that really enough when you consider the return manifold? Not doubting your advice, just that I was told by an ambitious LFS that I'd need 9000l/h minimum. I take that with a grain of salt of course.

 

[Punchanello]

Yep, agree, while many seem to be moving towards Dc's for reason stated, I still prefer Eheim's, they are just so well proven over time.

I'm looking for a deal for a 1262 myself right now, can't find anyone selling a used one, there's a good reason for that!

It's one of the very few things I will buy used w/out hesitation.

Thanks davocean. Are they fairly quiet?

 

[BPReefer]

I'd go with a Vectra L1 with your set up. I run an M1 and I absolutely love it. No valves to dial it back and its whisper quiet.

 

[jubei2006]

Most people are going to say 3-5 times output for the sump so 2100 to 3500 l/hr.. So I think the pump recommendation is a good one. D/c may be nice, quiet, adjustable, and less heat output. But the are expensive, and unproven over long term use. Sicce, ehiem, tunze, and danner mag drives have been serving reefers for a long time.