Will a Mag 24 work for this application?

[REEF-n-Chicago]

I am not very bright when it comes to figuring out what size return pump to use so
I was hoping you guys would help me out.
I have my 120 hooked up to my new frag system which is 8 feet off the ground (three 30 gallons on top of one another)
The overfows on the 120 are one inch and the frag system overfow is 3/4 an inch....
The sump is on the floor with the returns split between 2 tank returns and the the return to the frag tank. I am presently using a mag 18 and am getting just a trickle into the frag system.

I have located a mag 24 at a good deal but wanted to make sure it would be enough.
Thanks for any help!
If you need any more info just let me know....

 

[reefergeorge]

Mag pumps don't handle head pressure very well. Plus most people use too small of plumbing which just adds to the problem.
For maximum flow with the 9.5 they recommend 1.5" pvc. So with the 24 you are talking serious plumbing.

 

[REEF-n-Chicago]

Thats interesting. Maybe the 18 is enough my plumbing is just to small. Anyone know where I can read up on these pumps?

The reason I chose mags is, simply, b/c I am use to them and have always used them. If anyone has a better idea, pump wise, feel free to jump in

 

[REEF-n-Chicago]

I would like to understand the relationship between plumbing size and pump size. Stupid me I was under the impression you needed smaller plumbing to "shoot" the water thru

 

[REEF-n-Chicago]

If you cant tell I've never plumbed 2 systems together!
All help is GREATLY appreciated !!!!

 

[reefergeorge]

You should ask in the equipment forum. You may get more hits, and detailed explanations.

 

[reefnut1]

You will get more head pressure (which is what you need) with an external pump. Like a PCX55 or similar. Look at marine depot or foster and smith and you can compare head pressure and GPH. Many external pumps can go 20 feet or more.
The only downside is they are a little noisy.

 

[REEF-n-Chicago]

Reefergeorge, I will try posting this there as well. You all just seem to know "what's going on" most of the time!

Reefnut1, I would go this route BUT my tank is currently setup and I cannot figure a way to add this in without ripping the tank down

 

[Angler02]

I run a Ocean Runner 3500 up to about 6 ft of head. I have no issues with flow.

 

[REEF-n-Chicago]

Angler,
That is a reasonably priced pump. What size plumbing do you use on this pump and how many returns?

 

[Angler02]

3/4" inch returns there are 2. I have 2- 1" drains but the are 1.5" pvc for the durso, then it drops to 1" below the tank. This is on a 210 gallon. Most quiet pump I have ever seen, and you said it it's reasonable when it comes to price. If I remember right it's one of the biggest you can get as an internal pump GPH wise. I ordered this off of premiumaqautics.com and had it within a day.

 

[dkh0331]

Here is the head loss calculator -

http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

You can play with different pumps and different size plumbing to maximize your flow.

 

[REEF-n-Chicago]

All these years on this site and i have never used this calculator
That is a great tool for sure!

Angler, your plumbing sounds a lot like mine so i am leaning towards the ocean runner. I would like to get away from the mags anyhow.