29 gallon setup opinions

Alto · 05/08/2007, 04:58 PM

So far here is what I am thinking.

Little Giant - 3-MDQ-SC : mainly because it seems to use the least amps/watts of other similar pumps (.8amps/90watts). The other pump I was considering, and maybe you guys out there who have had experience with one or both of these can give you your opinions on that too, was the Gen-X PCX-30. The gen-x is cheaper, and seems to pump more water overall but if the little giant is quieter, better quality, more reliable, uses less electricity etc, there is only a $30 difference. Also I can't seem to find any info on how much power it pulls. Does anyone have one of those Gen-X pumps that knows? Cost of running is a priority for me, if I can achieve the goals I want and spend less month to month thats what I want to do.

Hooked up to that pump I am thinking I will run a calfo manifold with 4-6 outlets. And a single 1" bulk head to drain. I want to minimize or eliminate all equipment from the tank. I'd prefer not to have any powerheads, heaters, etc etc in the tank whatsoever, the only possible exception would be a stream-moded maxi-jet for additional flow. And it seems with either of the above mentioned pumps I would achieve about 20x turnover an hour in a 29gal, which seems to me would be sufficient. Also if memory serves a 1" bulkhead will drain around 650 gph, which is roughly around what I will get from either of the above pumps at 4' head. I can just as easily add a second 1" overflow though if you all think that would be wise.

Next will that be too much water movement through the sump in terms of the possibility of having a fuge, and definitely having a protein skimmer? If I had a skimmer and a fuge I could split the flow and each area would receive around 300-325 gph, which seems good to me, but if I go straight skimmer will 600-650 gph be too much and make the skimmer less efficient?

05/08/2007, 04:58 PM	#1
Alto Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Youngtown Az Posts: 506	29 gallon setup opinions So far here is what I am thinking. Little Giant - 3-MDQ-SC : mainly because it seems to use the least amps/watts of other similar pumps (.8amps/90watts). The other pump I was considering, and maybe you guys out there who have had experience with one or both of these can give you your opinions on that too, was the Gen-X PCX-30. The gen-x is cheaper, and seems to pump more water overall but if the little giant is quieter, better quality, more reliable, uses less electricity etc, there is only a $30 difference. Also I can't seem to find any info on how much power it pulls. Does anyone have one of those Gen-X pumps that knows? Cost of running is a priority for me, if I can achieve the goals I want and spend less month to month thats what I want to do. Hooked up to that pump I am thinking I will run a calfo manifold with 4-6 outlets. And a single 1" bulk head to drain. I want to minimize or eliminate all equipment from the tank. I'd prefer not to have any powerheads, heaters, etc etc in the tank whatsoever, the only possible exception would be a stream-moded maxi-jet for additional flow. And it seems with either of the above mentioned pumps I would achieve about 20x turnover an hour in a 29gal, which seems to me would be sufficient. Also if memory serves a 1" bulkhead will drain around 650 gph, which is roughly around what I will get from either of the above pumps at 4' head. I can just as easily add a second 1" overflow though if you all think that would be wise. Next will that be too much water movement through the sump in terms of the possibility of having a fuge, and definitely having a protein skimmer? If I had a skimmer and a fuge I could split the flow and each area would receive around 300-325 gph, which seems good to me, but if I go straight skimmer will 600-650 gph be too much and make the skimmer less efficient?