Return Pump

[rdnyva]

I'll be setting up my AGA 125 (72X24X18 with dual megaflows) this week. What's a good pump to use for the return from the sump. How many GPH would you recommend. The stand will be 36 inches high, so I'm figuring 5 feet of head.

 

[toothman]

This sounds like too simple of a answer. I think all the external pumps except low speed motor sequence pumps, are TOO LOUD. I would use a Mag drive 1800 it is dead quiet, dependable and cheap. I would also use a sequence dart for the closed loop.

Ed Ralff

 

[SDguy]

Depends on how much flow your sump can handle. I personally only like about 3X-5X of tank volume running through the sump per hour. This gives your skimmer better perfomance, cuts down on microbubbles, salt creep, noise, etc. Then, as toothman mentioned, provide the rest of your flow in the tank with a CL or internal PH, like tunze streams.

PS - Just hooked up my sequence hammerhead CL on my 115g....nowhere near too much flow. Something to think about.

 

[toothman]

I will second tunze streams if you do not mind looking at a powerhead in the tank. They are great, I have 2 in my reef tank. But many people do not want to look at them and want a plumbed closed loop. Unless you have something like a Ocean motion on your closed loop, a tunze will be better. If you have a om they will be similar.

 

[RichK]

You may also want to consider a Vortech pump or two. I know they are not out yet, but I have 2 in my 125 and couldn't be happier with the flow I get from them. They take up less room than a Maxi-jet 1200 in the tank and can be used with any wavemaker currently on the market.

 

[The Reefer91]

question,. what is a ocean motion? i was considering using a reeflo dart as a closed loop. but if it's not much flow, i may just invest in a tunze streams.

 

[The Reefer91]

could i use this? would this be good for a 180g? i will also have a SEIO 2600 and mag 18 for return

 

[toothman]

Ocean motion are gate valves that open and shut so plumbing can be opened and shut. If you do not have a drilled tank it does not matter.

You can not beat the tunze for ease, all I have to do with mine are soak them in vinegar every 3 months or so.

But I am getting a new tank slightly larger than yours and I plan to use 2 ocean motion 4 ways and 2 dart pumps. I will most likely use the tunzes also for additional flow.

My experience is that the more the water flow the cleaner the tank stays. Ideally you want to move the water just short of a sand storm. and just short of drowning the fish.

This is advice for a sps tank, for a soft coral tank I assume less.