Circulation Pump GPH?

MichelleMas · 03/16/2016, 07:24 AM

I have a 60 gallon tall aquarium. I just purchased 2 1500gph circulation pumps. Is this too much for my aquarium? I was thinking I should cancel one and have 1 1500gph and one 1150gph?

MondoBongo · 03/16/2016, 07:36 AM

you're not going to know until you try it. it will depend largely on your rock layout, and what you're going for as far as flow.

i would start off with one, then keep an eye out for dead spots or areas you want to increase flow in. if you find any, consider adding the second one at that time.

scooter31707 · 03/16/2016, 10:03 AM

Based on your signature, you are keeping a FOWLR, which usually recommends anywhere from 10-30x turnover. So, 60x10=600gph and 60x30=1800. So as mentioned above, you have to determined what you like best.

MichelleMas · 03/16/2016, 10:27 AM

Seems like two 1500 will be way too much either way. I ordered an 800GPH and 1150GPH. I am thinking I will stay FOWLR for now I want to take this slow. But I aspire for coral one day

cloak · 03/16/2016, 10:27 AM

I think you'll be ok using both. Just put them up top at opposite ends of the tank facing each other. The middle of the tank will be quite turbid and then this will dissipate towards the ends. What are the dimensions of your tank? What kind of power heads are they? Sometimes those GPH ratings on the box are not always accurate. On paper it might look like a lot, but this isn't always the case when they're put into action.

MichelleMas · 03/16/2016, 10:31 AM

Tank dimensions are 12.75Wx48.5Lx25H, tall and thin.

Hydor Koralia Evolution Pumps.

billdogg · 03/16/2016, 10:40 AM

IMHO, you'll be fine. The reality is that it is usually difficult to have too much flow, but it is easy to have too little.

I have 4 x 1500gph koralias in my 120, along with another 600gph or so from my return pump, and I'm thinking of adding more. My tank is primarily SPS, but many of my fish seem to enjoy "surfing" in the power head's outflow.

03/16/2016, 07:24 AM	#1
MichelleMas Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 76	Circulation Pump GPH? I have a 60 gallon tall aquarium. I just purchased 2 1500gph circulation pumps. Is this too much for my aquarium? I was thinking I should cancel one and have 1 1500gph and one 1150gph?

03/16/2016, 07:36 AM	#2
MondoBongo Obligate Feeder Obsessed Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 4,061	you're not going to know until you try it. it will depend largely on your rock layout, and what you're going for as far as flow. i would start off with one, then keep an eye out for dead spots or areas you want to increase flow in. if you find any, consider adding the second one at that time. __________________ [Citation Needed] "You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right" - xkcd Current Tank Info: A rectangular shaped money pit.

03/16/2016, 10:40 AM	#7
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	IMHO, you'll be fine. The reality is that it is usually difficult to have too much flow, but it is easy to have too little. I have 4 x 1500gph koralias in my 120, along with another 600gph or so from my return pump, and I'm thinking of adding more. My tank is primarily SPS, but many of my fish seem to enjoy "surfing" in the power head's outflow. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

03/16/2016, 10:03 AM	#3
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	Based on your signature, you are keeping a FOWLR, which usually recommends anywhere from 10-30x turnover. So, 60x10=600gph and 60x30=1800. So as mentioned above, you have to determined what you like best.

03/16/2016, 10:27 AM	#4
MichelleMas Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 76	Seems like two 1500 will be way too much either way. I ordered an 800GPH and 1150GPH. I am thinking I will stay FOWLR for now I want to take this slow. But I aspire for coral one day

03/16/2016, 10:27 AM	#5
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	I think you'll be ok using both. Just put them up top at opposite ends of the tank facing each other. The middle of the tank will be quite turbid and then this will dissipate towards the ends. What are the dimensions of your tank? What kind of power heads are they? Sometimes those GPH ratings on the box are not always accurate. On paper it might look like a lot, but this isn't always the case when they're put into action.

03/16/2016, 10:31 AM	#6
MichelleMas Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 76	Tank dimensions are 12.75Wx48.5Lx25H, tall and thin. Hydor Koralia Evolution Pumps.