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Unread 09/16/2007, 08:32 AM   #1
pmeninger
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Location: Concord,Ca
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Overflows and return pumps

Im in the process of adding a sump to my 100 gal setup and I wanted advice and feedback on the equipment being used.

What sort of return pump should be used, this pump will be submerged in the sump? Ive heard good things abou the Mag and Eheim pumps. Are these good brands?

How many GPH shoud I be looking for in a new return pump?

Ive heard bad things about external HOB overflows but this is the only option that I have... does anyone have recommendations on a brand to use? Ive heard that Lifereef puts out a good one, is this true?


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Unread 09/16/2007, 09:01 AM   #2
Henry Bowman
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Location: Allegheny Mountains of VA
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1- I'd use an Eheim or Oceanrunner pump for return. I have a mag and yanked it because it was loud. I went to an exterior pump. I have used Eheim's and like them, near silent, great reputation. I have read many good posts about Oceanrunners being as good as Eheims for alot less $$.

2- I'd run 3-400 gallons per hour through a sump and not try to use the return pump for significant tank circulation. This ensures that the overflow that you are talking about can handle the volume. The slower "through the sump" circulation allows for better dwell time for a skimmer to clean the water and if you want a fuge / sump, the flow is better for the macroalgae. You also get more consistent readings from probes in lower flow areas.

3- Lifereef is a good company. In the 90's they were one of the best, I think other companies have come along and done as good a job or better, putting lifereef in the "middle of the pack" these days but, their acrylic fabrication is top notch. Their overflows should be as good as any out there. I owned one of their filtration systems for a couple years on a fish only tank with the wet dry set up and reactor filters. It was very well built and worked well. I went to a different style sump system and now only run a skimmer and DSB in my sump (more reef style) so the Lifereef filter was sold.

HTH


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Unread 09/16/2007, 10:59 AM   #3
sjm817
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Lifereef still makes the best HOB overflow out there. Not only in build quality, but reliability an d flow capacity.


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Unread 09/16/2007, 12:06 PM   #4
mg426
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Location: maryland
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Life reeh U tube type.


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Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt
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