Too low flow?

[girlygears13]

I'm in the planning stages of a 120 with a 40 breeder sump. Trying to figure out what size pump would provide the proper flow. Could I get away with a Mag18 and toss a few power heads in the display? I'm not clear on if a lower than 10X tank volume flow through the sump is better than a slower flow to allow detritus to settle out? Let me know what you're using and how it's working for you! Thanks! :fish1:

 

[girlygears13]

The tank will be on a 40in tall stand, with the returns plumbed in a "Y" about 2 inches below the rim of the tank. So, according to the head pressure calculator, that's about 675gph.

 

[pkirby]

675gph is plenty of flow through your sump. IMO have powerheads in the display for flow... the water going through your sump should be at a much slower rate...

I'd check out sicce pumps as well... I used a mag 7 on my 75 gallon reef a couple years ago. never realized how loud it was until it finally broke and I replaced it with a sicce. they make great return pumps! For that matter, their powerheads are pretty awesome too...

 

[girlygears13]

Pkirby, thanks, I was hoping to not have to buy an external pump. Which Sicce are you using now?

 

[kmu]

I have a succesfull 240g reef with lots of softies and lps and only run a mag12 for return pump on sea swirls

I have no pumps on the display tank

 

[girlygears13]

Kmu, that's awesome! I was pondering using some eductors on the return outlets to really amp up the flow in the display, do you know of anyone who uses those? I haven't been able to find much info on them. I want to keep it very minimalist/bonsai/zen garden style. Been planning this tank for years, almost enough saved to pull the trigger! :thumbsup: