Cant figure out what return pumps to buy

Chi Town Reefer · 04/17/2013, 09:49 AM

I have a 240 gallon reef tank im putting together and it has two overflows on the back with 1" diameter returns. I do not want an external pump coming out of the sump so I want to keep them inside the sump, space saver. I am told the overflows can handle 1500 gallons per hour each so how much flow do I really need to be using as a return if I have 2 Tunze Turbelle Stream 6105's also in the tank. I am figuring to use one pump per overflow to bring the water back up into the tank. Any suggestions on a good pump to use or other options.

rtparty · 04/17/2013, 10:07 AM

You want to turn your tank over 3-5x with the return pump. At least that's how I've always run mine after a lot of research on the topic.

I just ordered a speedwave dc3000 for my 87g tank. It is a dc pump so I can choose the output.

RLSS is coming out with a second generation dc pump in the next couple months. They look really good and will definitely have a pump the size you need.

reeftivo · 04/17/2013, 01:07 PM

some instock options if you're interested in the internal DC pumps

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...ater-pump.html

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...ater-pump.html

The lagunas are a great fixed speed option too and are affordable.

joedc · 04/17/2013, 03:38 PM

Mag 18 after head loss you'll be sitting nice

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

reeftivo · 04/17/2013, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joedc

Mag 18 after head loss you'll be sitting nice

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

mags are good pressure rated pumps.

the mag12 is 145 watts and the DC10500 is 85 at full power

lots of heat and energy with the mag

Mark Bianco · 04/17/2013, 06:25 PM

I am not disagreeing with anyone who use the DC pumps and certainly not bashing. The DC pumps sounds like a great option! However how long have they been on the market for aquarium use? One thing that can be said for a mag pump is that they are work horses and are known to be very reliable. I have some mags that are over 4 years old and still going strong and never had to replace any parts or controllers. The only thing I do is clean them out about once every 3 months.

Mark

04/17/2013, 09:49 AM	#1
Chi Town Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Wauconda, IL Posts: 151	Cant figure out what return pumps to buy I have a 240 gallon reef tank im putting together and it has two overflows on the back with 1" diameter returns. I do not want an external pump coming out of the sump so I want to keep them inside the sump, space saver. I am told the overflows can handle 1500 gallons per hour each so how much flow do I really need to be using as a return if I have 2 Tunze Turbelle Stream 6105's also in the tank. I am figuring to use one pump per overflow to bring the water back up into the tank. Any suggestions on a good pump to use or other options.

04/17/2013, 10:07 AM	#2
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	You want to turn your tank over 3-5x with the return pump. At least that's how I've always run mine after a lot of research on the topic. I just ordered a speedwave dc3000 for my 87g tank. It is a dc pump so I can choose the output. RLSS is coming out with a second generation dc pump in the next couple months. They look really good and will definitely have a pump the size you need. __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

04/17/2013, 01:07 PM	#3
reeftivo Skim junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: chino, CA Posts: 3,417	some instock options if you're interested in the internal DC pumps http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...ater-pump.html http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...ater-pump.html The lagunas are a great fixed speed option too and are affordable. __________________ I told you not to be stupid you moron!(Stern) Current Tank Info: 60 gal cube/20g tideline sump-mixed reef, Aquamaxx c-tech Ca Rx, Akula 160 skimmer, paxbellum N18, mitras LX7 lighting with T-5s, apex controller

04/17/2013, 03:38 PM	#4
joedc Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 229	Mag 18 after head loss you'll be sitting nice Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

04/17/2013, 06:25 PM	#6
Mark Bianco In Memoriam Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Infinity and Beyond Posts: 2,445	I am not disagreeing with anyone who use the DC pumps and certainly not bashing. The DC pumps sounds like a great option! However how long have they been on the market for aquarium use? One thing that can be said for a mag pump is that they are work horses and are known to be very reliable. I have some mags that are over 4 years old and still going strong and never had to replace any parts or controllers. The only thing I do is clean them out about once every 3 months. Mark