what size of return pump

[TBone303]

What size and or type of a return pump should I buy. I have an 135 gallon tank with a 40 gallon sump / refuigum and I am thinking of buying a GenX (Mak4) external pump which has a max flow rate of 1190 GPH, is that enough flow

thanks

 

[javajaws]

That sounds pretty good. Most 120g sized tanks seem to be running 800-1200 GPH so I'd say your in the norm.

 

[stljk]

I'm also running a 135 that has a 40g sump/fuge set-up. I use the GenX 4 @ 1190 and have no problems whatsosever. Also use a few MJ's to keep the flow going in the corners/back. I've had this up successfully for several years now.

 

[TBone303]

My next question is should I buy a submersible pump because my tank is going to be in the basement which is always seems to be a lot cooler than upstairs.

 

[javajaws]

You think it will still be too cool even with some metal halides (assuming that's what you'll get)? I'd probably still go external if you have the room...more/better options available to you then.

 

[Brad W]

You might consider an Eheim 1262. A little less flow though.

 

[integlikewhoa]

my mag 125 has a mag 12 for a return. runnign threw a uv then to the tank. Alot of pipeing so its probley way down in flow. BUt i have a sequance dart on a closed loop qand i dont like to flow alot threw the sump. Just what needs to no more.

I wish i had more room for external pumps. Its always easier to heat a tank then cool it. And i would think exernal pumps might last longer too. Mines ok but when the chiller kicks on the electric bill flys high.

 

[TBone303]

My though is that my tank is in the basement which is always cool winter or summer maybe my heater will not have to work as hard if I use a submersible pump.

 

[integlikewhoa]

not sure how cold the room is or what your exact tank does as far as temp goes, but my tank is hard to keep cold not hot. I dont have inside heating and a/c as im in an older apt. In winter it olny gets down around 65 degrees inside. Summer it gets 90 inside. I have to chill it in winter and summer. Winter mostly when my light are on and i dont even have a heater in the tank. Tank never gets below 79 degrees. I have 3 internal pumps running and one external. I run one for the chiller and media chamber on a closed loop in the sump. i run one on my skimmer and one on my return. Then i have a external on my closed loop for the tank. So i do have alot of heat going into the tank. I wish i have more external pumps and i should compact all my pumps into 2 pumps maybe 3 max.

 

[cyan0069]

The 125 that I bought a year and a half ago, was running a mag 18 with a single overflow and 40gal sump. No issues even running that much flow through the sump.