Simple Flow Question

[dileggi]

Hey guys, my tank info and stocking is all listed below. When I calculated my total flow, I took the gph of my return sump and the ghp of my power head and added them together. With that in mind, I came up with a total flow of 716 for my 29g.

My question is, did I calculate my flow wrong? Someone at my LFS stated not to include my sump return in the amount of flow and based on that, my flow is technically just what my power head is giving off.

This doesn't sound right to me because I'm assuming flow is flow. The flow from the return of my sump has a swivel to it, so I can direct that flow just as I can my power head.

With all this being said, and looking at what I currently have, should I still add more flow? If so, another Koralia 1? Or maybe a Koralia Nano? I'm trying to avoid any sandstorms as well as any unecessary eye sores of more equipment hanging around that isn't really needed.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance!

 

[Shooter7]

I include the sump return flow in my calc of overall flow. Did you happen to ask this person, if the return pump is causing flow in my display, why wouldn't I count it? However, you do need to calculate the head loss on your return pump so you are getting an acurate number of gph, because it won't be what the pump is rated at once you do that.

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

yes you add the return pump - the head loss and all the PH gph and devide that with the size of your tank to get your turnover rate. and depending on what you want to keep it can range from 15x - 100x or more. but 15x would be the lowest I would go. I have 46x in my 75 gal.

 

[dileggi]

So, with all this mind, I'm sitting at close to 20, but slightly under. Maybe I should add more to be on the safe side?

As for head loss, can someone explain that a little better. I'm not sure exactly what that is.

 

[an411]

Now head loss is all the piping that you are using running vertical and horizontal

 

[dileggi]

OH, Ok, thanks an411. I have no piping at all. So, does that mean I have no head loss? From my pump to sump return is all but 7 inches at max.

 

[an411]

actually dileggi I was asking as I am not sure what head loss consists of I forgot to add the question mark. lol I know its pipe of tubing from the return pump. NOt sure if it included horizontal as well as vertical piping. I think that head loss is very minimal for you then

 

[dileggi]

LOL! Not a biggie an411! That was good. Hopefully, someone will tell us both!

 

[Shooter7]

Go to the "Home" page for RC and scroll down. On the left hand side there is a calculator for head loss. It will be self-explanatory from there.

 

[dileggi]

Great....thanks Dave

 

[an411]

dileggi guess there is more to be factored in then just horizontal and vertical pipe lol

 

[dileggi]

I think you're right an411! How come nothing is ever just easy? LOL!

 

[zotzer]

You have 7K gph in a 29 gallon tank? That would be a typhoon!
Tracy

 

[dileggi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11623104#post11623104 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zotzer
You have 7K gph in a 29 gallon tank? That would be a typhoon!
Tracy

No, did I say 7K? I didn't scroll back to read, but if I did, it was a typo for sure. I have 716 as my flow rate in a 29g...about 24-25%