What size sump return pump for a 55g w/sump

bankspower · 12/30/2006, 01:55 PM

What size sump return pump should I be running for my 55 gallon? I have a QuietFlow 600gph overflow, and a Quiet One 3000 return now, but that return pump is way too big. The sump is about 33" long 14"high, and 10" wide. The bottom line is I'm trying to decide on a mag 5 or 7. My goal is to not have to use a ball valve to restrict it down much because the pumps seem to run quieter when they're running at full capacity.

Thanks

Shawn

Randall_James · 12/30/2006, 02:16 PM

I would look at 150-250Gph range, I have a 60G cube that uses a mag3.

Sumps should run at 3-5X tank capacity, I prefer trying to match skimmer output myself.

bankspower · 12/30/2006, 02:26 PM

Oh, I gotcha now, sure wish I would've researched a little more prior to buying the Quiet One 3000! That thing really puts out the water! I'll drop my flow down considerably now and probably be better on microbubbles too. I think I'll go with the mag 3 too, good idea.

On a side note, I'm thinking of revamping the powerhead situation on my tank as well(It's very healthy and has been running about a year and a half now). I keep reading that reef tanks should have somewhere in the neighborhood of 25X tank turnover for flow. Currently I'm running 2 MJ1200's with Hydor rotating deflectors. This would put me only at about 10X tank turnover. What I was thinking was going with 2 tunze nanostreams which would put me at about 1200-1300gph total. Would this be an adviseable move? Another side benefit of that would be reduced power consumption as well!

Thanks for all the help

Shawn

Randall_James · 12/30/2006, 04:39 PM

25x is a good number, 20-50 is pretty normal depending on what is in the tank. SPS keepers like high flow.

I would like to hear from others that use the nano streams, they sound like a good deal and a lot smaller than the Tunze units I have used in the past.

bankspower · 12/30/2006, 05:25 PM

Cool, I'll let you know how they work when they get here. I ordered up a set, should be here sometime next week. What kind of placement would you recommend on a 55?? I'm thinking of placing one high on the lefthand side back wall pointing toward the middle of the tank, and the other about midway down on the righthand wall of the tank. What do you think about this?

Thanks

Shawn

oceandrops · 12/30/2006, 08:50 PM

I have Velocity T1 540gph on my 55 with no valve

Randall_James · 12/30/2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bankspower
Cool, I'll let you know how they work when they get here. I ordered up a set, should be here sometime next week. What kind of placement would you recommend on a 55?? I'm thinking of placing one high on the lefthand side back wall pointing toward the middle of the tank, and the other about midway down on the righthand wall of the tank. What do you think about this?

Thanks

Shawn

Sounds like a good starting point.. From there just tweak them around until you eliminate as much of the deadspots as possible.

You might use the sump return aimed at the rock or behind them to keep the areas cleaned out (is what I do with mine) Just make sure it will not be so deep as to flood your sump when the power goes out and it backdrains the tank (been there done that)

drillsar · 12/30/2006, 11:35 PM

I use a MAG 7, I beleive someone told me thats the way to go

chrisstie · 12/31/2006, 09:47 AM

i LOVE my tunze nanostream 6025. In fact I liked it so much I got 2 so I can have superflow for SPS.. they are SO quiet and draw so little power!

12/30/2006, 01:55 PM	#1
bankspower Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 89	What size sump return pump for a 55g w/sump What size sump return pump should I be running for my 55 gallon? I have a QuietFlow 600gph overflow, and a Quiet One 3000 return now, but that return pump is way too big. The sump is about 33" long 14"high, and 10" wide. The bottom line is I'm trying to decide on a mag 5 or 7. My goal is to not have to use a ball valve to restrict it down much because the pumps seem to run quieter when they're running at full capacity. Thanks Shawn

12/30/2006, 02:16 PM	#2
Randall_James Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,727	I would look at 150-250Gph range, I have a 60G cube that uses a mag3. Sumps should run at 3-5X tank capacity, I prefer trying to match skimmer output myself. __________________ "It's a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am wearing milkbone underwear"

12/30/2006, 04:39 PM	#4
Randall_James Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,727	25x is a good number, 20-50 is pretty normal depending on what is in the tank. SPS keepers like high flow. I would like to hear from others that use the nano streams, they sound like a good deal and a lot smaller than the Tunze units I have used in the past. __________________ "It's a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am wearing milkbone underwear"

12/31/2006, 09:47 AM	#9
chrisstie Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 4,727	i LOVE my tunze nanostream 6025. In fact I liked it so much I got 2 so I can have superflow for SPS.. they are SO quiet and draw so little power! __________________ You lookin' at my wrasse? Current Tank Info: I find it odd that there are children starving in this country and yet we euthanize millions of stray dogs and cats every year and then incinerate the bodies. Not only that, but we make it illegal to butcher the meat. -MarkS

12/30/2006, 02:26 PM	#3
bankspower Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 89	Oh, I gotcha now, sure wish I would've researched a little more prior to buying the Quiet One 3000! That thing really puts out the water! I'll drop my flow down considerably now and probably be better on microbubbles too. I think I'll go with the mag 3 too, good idea. On a side note, I'm thinking of revamping the powerhead situation on my tank as well(It's very healthy and has been running about a year and a half now). I keep reading that reef tanks should have somewhere in the neighborhood of 25X tank turnover for flow. Currently I'm running 2 MJ1200's with Hydor rotating deflectors. This would put me only at about 10X tank turnover. What I was thinking was going with 2 tunze nanostreams which would put me at about 1200-1300gph total. Would this be an adviseable move? Another side benefit of that would be reduced power consumption as well! Thanks for all the help Shawn

12/30/2006, 05:25 PM	#5
bankspower Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 89	Cool, I'll let you know how they work when they get here. I ordered up a set, should be here sometime next week. What kind of placement would you recommend on a 55?? I'm thinking of placing one high on the lefthand side back wall pointing toward the middle of the tank, and the other about midway down on the righthand wall of the tank. What do you think about this? Thanks Shawn

12/30/2006, 08:50 PM	#6
oceandrops Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 139	I have Velocity T1 540gph on my 55 with no valve

12/30/2006, 11:35 PM	#8
drillsar Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: West Orange, NJ Posts: 2,838	I use a MAG 7, I beleive someone told me thats the way to go