what size return would you do?

[trentdingo]

Before I drill my sump I want to know which size pump to get.

External pump to be used on a 120g. Probably will be going through a Sea Swirl. Approx. 5' head pressure.
Suggestions?

 

[zooty]

Water blaster either a 5000 or 7000. I have a 7000 on a 6', 180 gallon

Though I had some issues hooking up the WB externally so maybe you want a dedicated external pump like a Reeflo. I'm not really familiar with them so I can't recommend which one but that is what I would use externally

 

[Fizz71]

I'm a reeflo fan for externals but it might be overkill for you. Check out their stats to get an idea which pumps makes sense based on what speeds you want:
http://www.reeflopumps.com/

When choosing your pump pay VERY close attention to watts (and amps) along with flow rates...don't underestimate the long term electrical costs of a pump which is why I go for slow return pumps and make my flow from low wattage power heads.

I have a Reeflo Tarpon (I bought used) because it's pressure rated and I'm pushing water about 20 feet total (10 up, 10 over). I'm spending a good 190W for and estimated 600gph--my Koralia power head draws about 18W and blows like freakin' jet (rated 3250gph).

 

[trentdingo]

Thanks guys.
And fizz, I have two mp40s and an mp10 in the tank. My main concern is blowing apart the sea swirl. If I get too big I can just put a Y in the return and use a value to control it

 

[Fizz71]

I don't see why not, but why bother? Just get a pump that matches the sea-swirl.

 

[rigleautomotive]

blue line hd 40 or iwalki 40.I dont like the leaky seal issues on the volute pumps

 

[ungwhat]

i have a quiet one 4000 hooked to a sea swirl on my 120 gal. plenty of flow

 

[deadcpu]

I am a Reeflo Dart however NOISE IS AN ISSUE. it work great as a main pump that run everything (reactors, skimmer etc). my tank is 180 gallons and at the height of 6.5 feet from the pump. The noise is more of how you get your stand built. if you built it without planning the pump, the stand can echo sound like a belt (my case). if you have open space in side the stand then it should be good.

for your tank, I would go with zooty recommend such as water blaster pump. since your tank is only 120 gallon and you only use the pump in returning water to the tank.
if you use the pump just like my case, I would go with Reeflo or at least Iwaki pump.