What size pump

nikski9098 · 02/11/2008, 11:36 AM

I have a 75 gallon reef and am in the process of building a 20 long sump/fuge.......( i might just build this one and get rid of it and maybe make one from a 29 galllon) what size return pump do i need? it is not a drilled tank im going to get a hang on that goes into the sump............. and does the hose size matter on the return? half inch or 1 inch?

Andrew · 02/11/2008, 11:40 AM

What's the size of the drain line? A simple 400-500gph pump will be more than enough. (based on a standard 1.25'' drain line.)

Tswifty · 02/11/2008, 11:43 AM

First you need to know the sizes of your drains/bulkheads... A 1" bulkhead will move 600gph. Most HOB overflows have 1 or 2 -1" bulkheads so you are looking at either 600gph or 1200gph.

Then you will need to measure the distance from your sump to the top of your tank. This will be the distance at which your return pump will need to be able to push either 600 or 1200gph.

Then you will need to look at what brand pump you want. I use a Mag-Drive, and Mag-Drive provides a chart online for what the pumps are rated at certain heights.

As far as return plumbing... I also think the manufacturer will be able to specify what to use. However, I just run clear tubing, not PVC, from my return pump.

nikski9098 · 02/11/2008, 01:01 PM

Ok, the sump is a 20 long with no bulkhead, im gonna use a hang on the back where it just flows into the sump. I just called my petshop and he said he has 1 inch ones so im gonna investigate this the next couple days and hope everything goes smooth and no mess. I'll probly go with the mag pump, i hear alot about it so it cant be that bad. so i have some deciding and measuring to do when i get home.... thank you all once again i'm sure i'll be back harrassing soon...

02/11/2008, 11:36 AM	#1
nikski9098 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SW Burbs of Chicago Posts: 66	What size pump I have a 75 gallon reef and am in the process of building a 20 long sump/fuge.......( i might just build this one and get rid of it and maybe make one from a 29 galllon) what size return pump do i need? it is not a drilled tank im going to get a hang on that goes into the sump............. and does the hose size matter on the return? half inch or 1 inch?

02/11/2008, 11:43 AM	#3
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	First you need to know the sizes of your drains/bulkheads... A 1" bulkhead will move 600gph. Most HOB overflows have 1 or 2 -1" bulkheads so you are looking at either 600gph or 1200gph. Then you will need to measure the distance from your sump to the top of your tank. This will be the distance at which your return pump will need to be able to push either 600 or 1200gph. Then you will need to look at what brand pump you want. I use a Mag-Drive, and Mag-Drive provides a chart online for what the pumps are rated at certain heights. As far as return plumbing... I also think the manufacturer will be able to specify what to use. However, I just run clear tubing, not PVC, from my return pump. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

02/11/2008, 11:40 AM	#2
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	What's the size of the drain line? A simple 400-500gph pump will be more than enough. (based on a standard 1.25'' drain line.)

02/11/2008, 01:01 PM	#4
nikski9098 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SW Burbs of Chicago Posts: 66	Ok, the sump is a 20 long with no bulkhead, im gonna use a hang on the back where it just flows into the sump. I just called my petshop and he said he has 1 inch ones so im gonna investigate this the next couple days and hope everything goes smooth and no mess. I'll probly go with the mag pump, i hear alot about it so it cant be that bad. so i have some deciding and measuring to do when i get home.... thank you all once again i'm sure i'll be back harrassing soon...