Megaflow 4 return pumps

Profiler · 02/05/2008, 09:24 AM

Hi,

I had a 90 gallon saltwater tank 14+ years ago that entailed 2 canister filters and some fake rock. I havent had a tank up and running for over 10 years.

Now that my wife and I have settled into a house we intend to keep I decided to start a 125 gallon tank. After reading a couple books and hours of forum threads I decided to go with a fowl tank.

I have about one inch of live sand, the cured live rock, an Aqua C Urchin Pro skimmer, 15w UV sterilizer, 2 Hydor K. pumps (one on each end) for additional flow, and a AGA Megaflow 4 system (which I have housing the heaters and skimmer).

My main question is I went through a lfs for most of the equipment including the Megaflow 4. The "kit" came with 2 rio 1400's for return pumps. I have been running the system since the end of december and the rio's power to the overflows appears very week in my opinion. I'd be more worried if I didnt have the Hydor K's but I'm thinking I should have more power for such a big sump. The manual for the megaflow did not provide any info on recomendations so I only had the lfs to go by.

I'm curious if anyone here is running a megaflow 4 and if so what size pumps (I was hoping to bump it up to at least a Mag 5). I also want to make sure if I put on bigger pumps that I wont run into problems on the return end.

thanks

Tswifty · 02/05/2008, 10:57 AM

The question of flow out a return line from a sump is not one of strength... rather matching the intake from the tank with the retun from the sump so you do not overflow your sump.

If your intakes and returns match, I would not mess with them.... Why risk creating a problem you don't have???

As for more flow... what size Koralia's do you have? Adding another, or a stronger powerhead is a better option in my opinion.

Tswifty · 02/05/2008, 11:03 AM

Side note:

Since you are not running a reef tank you do not need to worry about turning your water over as often.

Flow rate through the tank is also not as big an issue with FOWLR tanks, you usually just need enough flow to try and reduce "dead spots" where nuisance algea can build up, and enough for a decently strong current to keep your fish happy.

If your levels in your tank are fine, and your livestock is happy, I wouldn't mess with it or worry about "flow"

Once again... just my honest opinion

Good luck!

02/05/2008, 09:24 AM	#1
Profiler Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New England Posts: 6	Megaflow 4 return pumps Hi, I had a 90 gallon saltwater tank 14+ years ago that entailed 2 canister filters and some fake rock. I havent had a tank up and running for over 10 years. Now that my wife and I have settled into a house we intend to keep I decided to start a 125 gallon tank. After reading a couple books and hours of forum threads I decided to go with a fowl tank. I have about one inch of live sand, the cured live rock, an Aqua C Urchin Pro skimmer, 15w UV sterilizer, 2 Hydor K. pumps (one on each end) for additional flow, and a AGA Megaflow 4 system (which I have housing the heaters and skimmer). My main question is I went through a lfs for most of the equipment including the Megaflow 4. The "kit" came with 2 rio 1400's for return pumps. I have been running the system since the end of december and the rio's power to the overflows appears very week in my opinion. I'd be more worried if I didnt have the Hydor K's but I'm thinking I should have more power for such a big sump. The manual for the megaflow did not provide any info on recomendations so I only had the lfs to go by. I'm curious if anyone here is running a megaflow 4 and if so what size pumps (I was hoping to bump it up to at least a Mag 5). I also want to make sure if I put on bigger pumps that I wont run into problems on the return end. thanks

02/05/2008, 10:57 AM	#2
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	The question of flow out a return line from a sump is not one of strength... rather matching the intake from the tank with the retun from the sump so you do not overflow your sump. If your intakes and returns match, I would not mess with them.... Why risk creating a problem you don't have??? As for more flow... what size Koralia's do you have? Adding another, or a stronger powerhead is a better option in my opinion. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

02/05/2008, 11:03 AM	#3
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	Side note: Since you are not running a reef tank you do not need to worry about turning your water over as often. Flow rate through the tank is also not as big an issue with FOWLR tanks, you usually just need enough flow to try and reduce "dead spots" where nuisance algea can build up, and enough for a decently strong current to keep your fish happy. If your levels in your tank are fine, and your livestock is happy, I wouldn't mess with it or worry about "flow" Once again... just my honest opinion Good luck! __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover