Return pump size advice

TomDe · 01/11/2007, 10:59 PM

I am using an Eheim 1260 on my 90 with a 30 gallon sump. It is throttled back a good amount and everything has been fine.

I have an oppurtunity to get an Eheim 1250 never used cheap and I wanted it for a backup in case mine ever dies.

Would a 1250 be enough for backup? it is only 320 GPH and the one I use now is 898 GPH but throttled back a lot.

I have other flow in the tank so I just wanted to know if the 1250 would be ok in the sump for a backup.

Thanks

TomDe · 01/12/2007, 09:55 AM

nobody? What is the general rule for return pumps? The sump is under my stand.

eastcoaster1 · 01/12/2007, 11:53 AM

It seems that there are two schools of thought on return pumps.
One says that you should only pump as much water through your sump as your skimmer can handle...anything more is just wasted.
The opposition feels that more flow is beneficial because it helps keep detritus from settling and therefore increase the potential that it will get filtered out.
I think if you have other pumps moving the water in the tank then the 1250 should be fine as a return pump.

As a frame of reference I have a 120 gallon and my current return pump delivers about 250 - 300 gallons an hour. It's adaquate, but I'd like more flow so I'm planning to get either the 1250 or 1260 in the near future.

TomDe · 01/12/2007, 11:14 PM

Thank you! As I was saying I was only picking this up as a backup, not my main return pump.

01/11/2007, 10:59 PM	#1
TomDe Keep it simple Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 308	Return pump size advice I am using an Eheim 1260 on my 90 with a 30 gallon sump. It is throttled back a good amount and everything has been fine. I have an oppurtunity to get an Eheim 1250 never used cheap and I wanted it for a backup in case mine ever dies. Would a 1250 be enough for backup? it is only 320 GPH and the one I use now is 898 GPH but throttled back a lot. I have other flow in the tank so I just wanted to know if the 1250 would be ok in the sump for a backup. Thanks

01/12/2007, 09:55 AM	#2
TomDe Keep it simple Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 308	nobody? What is the general rule for return pumps? The sump is under my stand.

01/12/2007, 11:53 AM	#3
eastcoaster1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: NH Posts: 265	It seems that there are two schools of thought on return pumps. One says that you should only pump as much water through your sump as your skimmer can handle...anything more is just wasted. The opposition feels that more flow is beneficial because it helps keep detritus from settling and therefore increase the potential that it will get filtered out. I think if you have other pumps moving the water in the tank then the 1250 should be fine as a return pump. As a frame of reference I have a 120 gallon and my current return pump delivers about 250 - 300 gallons an hour. It's adaquate, but I'd like more flow so I'm planning to get either the 1250 or 1260 in the near future.

01/12/2007, 11:14 PM	#4
TomDe Keep it simple Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 308	Thank you! As I was saying I was only picking this up as a backup, not my main return pump.