What % of flow should the return provide?

[RichardPryor]

I know some here aim for 40 times their tank size in flow. I was wondering if all of the flow is provided by powerheads and how would you calculate how much flow the return is giving? Hope I'm making sense.

 

[Zoophile]

Generally, 3 to 5 times the tank volume through the return, the rest is made up by powerheads. Some people prefer more or less return flow than this. It will be tough to heat, skim, etc. the water in a sump if it's moving too quickly back to the main tank.

 

[killagoby]

The flow in your tank can vary depending on what types of corals you are keeping as well. SPS's and most soft corals need 30x to 40x. Most LPS's and Mushrooms can do well with 10x to 20x flow. Again, this is done with wavemakers or powerheads, not the flow through the sump.

 

[seapug]

While there can be benefits to it with regard to certain nutrient export (sump based skimmer or refugium), flow rate through the sump/fuge/return is not as important as flow created by powerheads within the tank itself. That's where it's most necessary and controllable.

 

[Playa-1]

Flow thru the sump should be enough for the skimmer to operate at peak performance. Maybe 3 to 10 times total system volume. The rest of your flow will come from powerheads and/or closed loop circulation. This set up minimizes microbubbles, drain noise, overflow issues. Total circulation will depend on what your planning to keep and the aqua scaping.

 

[Sk8r]

My return, via two Sea Swirls, puts about 1000gph through my 54g, and I had to T each nozzle to keep my sand from walking. Powerheads might have been easier, but in a wedge tank you're a bit limited.