how much is too much return pump

deathmatch782 · 06/02/2010, 12:35 PM

I get to setup a fishroom

In doing so, I will be moving my 120 to an adjoining wall.
Trying to decide how large of a pump I will require.

The setup is
120 DT
100g sump
40 br frag tank
4'x2' frag tank

I currently use a mag7 as my return for my 120.

Is something like a reeflo too large? Should i go with a mag 12/18?

sedor · 06/02/2010, 12:37 PM

I use a Mag 12 on my 125 and I wouldn't go any higher. The bigger the return pump, the faster water is going to move through your sump. If it goes to fast it can cause problems with your skimmer. If you end up getting a good deal on a bigger pump though you can always build a manifold and have it run multiple things like the return, a fuge, reactors etc. Even if you don't do that a ball valve can throttle back the return to where you need it.

khaosinc · 06/02/2010, 01:00 PM

I use a mag 18 on my 750 unless you are planning a huge overflow and doing most of your circulation with it I think it would be overkill

RVANANO · 06/02/2010, 01:08 PM

I am currently running a coralife 1290 GPH on my 120 at full output. No powerheads yet....... I have twin 1" returns and twin 1.5" overflows. Not saying mine is good or bad. Just figured you would get an idea what everyone is doing.

06/02/2010, 12:35 PM	#1
deathmatch782 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MN Posts: 151	how much is too much return pump I get to setup a fishroom In doing so, I will be moving my 120 to an adjoining wall. Trying to decide how large of a pump I will require. The setup is 120 DT 100g sump 40 br frag tank 4'x2' frag tank I currently use a mag7 as my return for my 120. Is something like a reeflo too large? Should i go with a mag 12/18?

06/02/2010, 12:37 PM	#2
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	I use a Mag 12 on my 125 and I wouldn't go any higher. The bigger the return pump, the faster water is going to move through your sump. If it goes to fast it can cause problems with your skimmer. If you end up getting a good deal on a bigger pump though you can always build a manifold and have it run multiple things like the return, a fuge, reactors etc. Even if you don't do that a ball valve can throttle back the return to where you need it. __________________ Ryan

06/02/2010, 01:00 PM	#3
khaosinc The cyborg reefer Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NW Washington state Posts: 2,345	I use a mag 18 on my 750 unless you are planning a huge overflow and doing most of your circulation with it I think it would be overkill __________________ Disclaimer: I have not yet figured out how to install a breathalizer on my computer. Current Tank Info: It's all torn down... someday I might rebuild.

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06/02/2010, 01:08 PM	#4
RVANANO SWAGON Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,404	I am currently running a coralife 1290 GPH on my 120 at full output. No powerheads yet....... I have twin 1" returns and twin 1.5" overflows. Not saying mine is good or bad. Just figured you would get an idea what everyone is doing.