Return Pump Question

[1775Nate]

I am in the process of setting up my second reef tank. I had my previous one a long time ago. I have a 65g DT with a 29g sump (only plan on having about 20g in it. I will be using a Bean Animal overflow with 1" bulkhead fittings. About 5-6 feet of head height. I would like around 5-7x total tank volume for sump flow. I'm trying to decide how big of a return pump that I need. I calculated my flow based off tank volume to be 400-550gph. I tried to Use the head loss calculator
And came up with 181gph. Do I add that to my flow for a total of around 700gph? I just want to make sure that I get a pump capable of handling my tanks and head loss. Thanks for any advice.

 

[oldhead]

I have a 110, so between the fittings and the height of the tank being 32 inches I went with this pump. It is actually too strong and I have it throttled back along with a tee for a dual reactor.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-1262-universal-pump.html

Keep in mind you want your flow to come from the power heads not the pump. To big of a pump and you skimmer won't be as effective if you are returning more water than the skimmer can turn over.

 

[thegrun]

You really want to look at the specific head loss chart for exact pump you are going to purchase, every pump will vary in head pressure loss.

 

[1775Nate]

I already purchased 2 wavemakers for my desired flow in the DT. I'm just wanting a good return pump size for circulation though the sump. I wasn't really calculating the return pump flow in the DT since it's only 5-7x. My wave makers will move the water in the DT a lot more than the return line.

 

[1775Nate]

I guess I'll plug in a few different pump models in the calculator and see what it spits out.

 

[billdogg]

Whatever you come up with, go a little bigger. You can put a gate valve on the output of the pump to reduce flow if needed, have enough extra to run reactors, or just be ready for the inevitable upgrade that we all know is coming!

 

[tkeracer619]

Ehiem 1260 is the way I would go.

 

[AlSimmons]

I would just use a RIO 3100 and call it a day... A lot of people don't like these pumps, but I've never had any problems with them. (for years on end) Also, don't get caught up in the math. It's all one body of water no matter what and the focus should be on what's on top as opposed to what's down below. (good husbandry) JMO, GL.

 

[tonyreef]

i would just use a rio 3100 and call it a day... A lot of people don't like these pumps, but i've never had any problems with them. (for years on end) also, don't get caught up in the math. It's all one body of water no matter what and the focus should be on what's on top as opposed to what's down below. (good husbandry) jmo, gl.

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