What pump?

[gbothepro]

Hi, I'm currently in the process of my initial set up. I have an overflow rated for 800gph max. My skimmer pump is rated at 550gph. Can i use a return pump that's rated lower then the gph on my overflow without losing siphon? I'm looking to circulate the same gph that my skimmer is rated for.

So looking at all the numbers, how many gph should my return pump be?

 

[areze]

on a 55g tank, Id look for about 200-250gph through the sump unless you have a much larger sump then would be otherwise expected.


no reason to match your sump flow with the skimmer flow unless your running your skimmer off a gravity feed from your overflow...

so Id suggest 250gph unless its gravity fed, then it would need to be 550gph.

be sure to account for headloss on the pump for flow rating.

as for the overflow, at 250gph you MAY have a problem with air accumulation, 500gph would probably help with that, but can cause other issues, like microbubbles if you are running a small sump with higher flow, it wont have time to settle.

 

[gbothepro]

Would a filter sock help with the bubbles? Im thinking about a 20 long with some baffles. Would that be good?

I also need some help on plumbing. Should I go with 3/4" or 1" pvc on the return? Or can I use flexible tubing?

 

[sjm817]

I agree. Target 250 GPH to maybe 350 GPH. This should keep the overflow working properly without having so much flow through the 20G sump that it causes problems.

 

[gbothepro]

So How many gph should I target to account for head loss?

Thanks for helping me out guys!

 

[sjm817]

It depends on the pump and the plumbing setup. Some pumps lose a lot of flow due to head, some do not. Something in the 500 GPH range or so.

 

[gbothepro]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14118427#post14118427 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
I agree. Target 250 GPH to maybe 350 GPH. This should keep the overflow working properly without having so much flow through the 20G sump that it causes problems.

Would 250 to 350 gph be ok with an overflow thats rated at 800 gph as the max? Im worried that I would lose siphon if theres not enough flow.