Return pump vs. Powerhead flow

Yellow Eyes · 10/30/2014, 10:24 AM

I have been seeing a lot of peoples specs about their tanks and the flow rate of their return pumps on some tanks larger than mine, but with flow rates less than mine (tank specs in sig).

My return pump is an Ehiem compact+, adjustable from 200ish-500ish. I run it open full bore, knowing that I have a checkvalve, and two 90 degree bends so I will not get all 500gph out. I also have 1 wp-10 in the tank.

I recently got a few lps corals (acan, hammer, frogspawn) and I have been struggling to get the flow correct. They are either pushed in one direction, or barely move at all. (compared to seeing other tanks where they waft back and forth).

I have tried all settings on my jebao, as well as different positions of both the pump and return (which has one of those flat nozzles on it).

So my question is, should I invest in a second powerhead to mount opposite, and turn my return pump down? and what would be the drawbacks of turning the return pump down?

Lucky Lefty · 10/30/2014, 10:27 AM

Get another powerhead and I wouldn't turn the return pump down.

thegrun · 10/30/2014, 10:32 AM

To keep your skimmer and heaters working efficently I would keep at least 100 gph flowing through your sump (assuming this is the 20 gallon tank you are asking about). In the tank for the corals listed you want a total of around 600-800 gph.

Yellow Eyes · 10/30/2014, 05:55 PM

Yes, my 20g tank, sorry. And so between my current powerhead and return pump, I have probably closer to 800-1200 gph (I assumed my return is only ~300gph) which should be plenty, so maybe I just need to keep moving the powerhead? I might get a second one just to try it out and see if it helps any.

10/30/2014, 10:24 AM	#1
Yellow Eyes Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Glen Burnie, MD Posts: 236	Return pump vs. Powerhead flow I have been seeing a lot of peoples specs about their tanks and the flow rate of their return pumps on some tanks larger than mine, but with flow rates less than mine (tank specs in sig). My return pump is an Ehiem compact+, adjustable from 200ish-500ish. I run it open full bore, knowing that I have a checkvalve, and two 90 degree bends so I will not get all 500gph out. I also have 1 wp-10 in the tank. I recently got a few lps corals (acan, hammer, frogspawn) and I have been struggling to get the flow correct. They are either pushed in one direction, or barely move at all. (compared to seeing other tanks where they waft back and forth). I have tried all settings on my jebao, as well as different positions of both the pump and return (which has one of those flat nozzles on it). So my question is, should I invest in a second powerhead to mount opposite, and turn my return pump down? and what would be the drawbacks of turning the return pump down? __________________ "I never learned from a man who agreed with me" -Robert Heinlein Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon with Herbie overflow, 29 gallon sump with Cheato, Ecotech MP10wQD, Kessil A360WE, AquaC EV120, BRS 2 Part Dosing

10/30/2014, 10:27 AM	#2
Lucky Lefty Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: NJ Posts: 790	Get another powerhead and I wouldn't turn the return pump down. __________________ 150g NJ Current Tank Info: est.5/9/14

10/30/2014, 05:55 PM	#4
Yellow Eyes Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Glen Burnie, MD Posts: 236	Yes, my 20g tank, sorry. And so between my current powerhead and return pump, I have probably closer to 800-1200 gph (I assumed my return is only ~300gph) which should be plenty, so maybe I just need to keep moving the powerhead? I might get a second one just to try it out and see if it helps any. __________________ "I never learned from a man who agreed with me" -Robert Heinlein Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon with Herbie overflow, 29 gallon sump with Cheato, Ecotech MP10wQD, Kessil A360WE, AquaC EV120, BRS 2 Part Dosing

10/30/2014, 10:32 AM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	To keep your skimmer and heaters working efficently I would keep at least 100 gph flowing through your sump (assuming this is the 20 gallon tank you are asking about). In the tank for the corals listed you want a total of around 600-800 gph.