return pump for 300-350 gal system

mcliffy2 · 02/04/2008, 05:29 PM

I'm trying to decide between a Reeflo Dart or Snapper for my return. I'm going to have two 1.5" overflows and then two 3/4" or two 1" (which should I go with) returns with sea swirls on them.

I also plan to T off the return to the display tank (238 gal) with a return to a frag tank, most likely around 40-50 gallons, probably with one 3/4" return. Which pump would be best for this setup?

austinoceans · 02/04/2008, 08:41 PM

Both are nice pumps and would work well for your situation. You might want to get the Dart and put a ball valve on the output side. You can throttle down a Dart to a much lower flow if desired (and get a drop in power usage too) but then you have the option to open it back up when you need more flow.

kgross · 02/04/2008, 08:45 PM

For the return pump. personally I would go with a much much smaller pump than either one. You will get better surface skimming and a quieter tank with a much slower return pump. Use the Dart for a closed loop to create lots of water movement and run something around 800 to 1200 gph for your return pump.

Kim

twon8 · 02/04/2008, 09:19 PM

i would run two lower gph pumps, maybe ocean runner 3500's

02/04/2008, 05:29 PM	#1
mcliffy2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Downtown Chicago Posts: 4,093	return pump for 300-350 gal system I'm trying to decide between a Reeflo Dart or Snapper for my return. I'm going to have two 1.5" overflows and then two 3/4" or two 1" (which should I go with) returns with sea swirls on them. I also plan to T off the return to the display tank (238 gal) with a return to a frag tank, most likely around 40-50 gallons, probably with one 3/4" return. Which pump would be best for this setup? __________________ 238g 60x36x26, 100g sump/fuge, 30g frag, 23g skimmer sump, 4 Vortechs, ATB L, Sfiligoi 12x54w T5 Bulb Combo: Super actinic, 6 Blue Plus/AS 22k, Fiji Purple, 2 Aquablue special, 2 Aquascience Duo

02/04/2008, 08:45 PM	#3
kgross Premium Member Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 5,870	For the return pump. personally I would go with a much much smaller pump than either one. You will get better surface skimming and a quieter tank with a much slower return pump. Use the Dart for a closed loop to create lots of water movement and run something around 800 to 1200 gph for your return pump. Kim __________________ Proud Member of the Idaho Marine Aquarium Society America will only be the Land of the Free as long as it is the Home of the Brave. Current Tank Info: AGA 180gallon tank, VHO/MH lighting, DSB, calcium reactor, Also a 7 Gallon Nano softy tank, and a 32 gallon cube

02/04/2008, 09:19 PM	#4
twon8 Formally registered membe Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: slightly sw of richmond, va Posts: 5,920	i would run two lower gph pumps, maybe ocean runner 3500's __________________ Anthony Richmond Reef Club "and as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention." Not building a wall but making a brick Current Tank Info: 300g DD display, 60g frag tank

02/04/2008, 08:41 PM	#2
austinoceans Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 7	Both are nice pumps and would work well for your situation. You might want to get the Dart and put a ball valve on the output side. You can throttle down a Dart to a much lower flow if desired (and get a drop in power usage too) but then you have the option to open it back up when you need more flow.