return pump

[elecbzerk]

I am looking for suggestions for an internal return pump on my 125G. The dimensions are 72" X 24"W X 17"T, penninsula style. the tank is not SPS dominant. It is a mixed reef with some SPS pieces, softies, but mostly LPS. Any suggestions are welcome, I was thinking MAG18 or 24?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[username in use]

Match your return pump to your skimmer gph and then supplement with power heads or closed loop. If you match the pumps, your skimmer will be more efficient because there wont be as much water bypass, youll be able to skim it all as it passes, instead of half the water blowing past.

 

[elecbzerk]

Thanks usrename, appreciate the suggestion. But, my skimmer specifies a pump that has a lower GPH than I would care for. Also, I would prefer not to have alot of powerheads in my tank. Godd idea though.

 

[davocean]

You really should be aiming at 3-5x turnover w/ a return for several reasons, skimmer, micro bubbles, etc.
Then rest of flow is achieved by loops or PH's as suggested, so if you don't like pumps, go w/ a loop.
Oceanrunner and eheim are my fav returns, something like a 1260-1262 in eheim, or comp in OR.

 

[elecbzerk]

Thanks davocean. I was looking at those Eheim models already as well. I am not totally opposed to a PH or two, but I have a wave box already. My skimmer calls for a 50PX, and I do not believe that to be enough to return a 6' tank. maybe a MAG 12 or equal?