how big of a return pump?

[hamiltonguy]

Hey I was just wondering how you know how strong of a return pump you need? For example how would you know how many gph you need from you return for a 75g tank?

[Fish_wiz2]

it would depend on your overflow. i recommend what it can handle. i have 2 1" overflows that a QO 3000 handles perfectly (currently) and a mag 12 that killed it (back when i just set it up)

also:

To Reef Central

[SaltyDr]

Definitely want to know what your overflow can handle, and shoot a bit shy of that because over time, with build up of minerals, algae, etc, flow will be somewhat restricted. What kind of overflow do you have? What are your intentions for the tank? Do you have a closed loop or powerheads? What kind of head (height) are you pushing against - because you'll need to account for head loss. Do you want an in-sump or external pump. As you can see, there is a lot to consider.

[sjm817]

General rule of thumb is 3 - 5x display size. For a 75G, 225 - 375 GPH after headloss via the return pump.

[vid660]

I use an Ocean Runner 2500 on my 75g with 20g sump. I've used an amiracle and home-made overflow with it.

[Whys]

First read this.
http://www.aquariumpros.com/articles/headpress.shtml

Then use this.
http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

Then consider this.
http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/drain.php

Graphs can usually be found for the various pumps showing gph across increasing head pressure.

I'll let others fill you in on recommended gph for your system.

[hamiltonguy]

Thanks for all the info guys, and thanks for the welcome fish_wiz

[Sisterlimonpot]

i agree. but just make usre your return piping can handle the flow.

[NirvanaFan]

I use an Eheim 1260 for my 75g. It fits my needs nicely. But, like others mentioned, you have to decide on your pump depending on the size of your overflow.

[hamiltonguy]

Originally posted by SaltyDr
Definitely want to know what your overflow can handle, and shoot a bit shy of that because over time, with build up of minerals, algae, etc, flow will be somewhat restricted. What kind of overflow do you have? What are your intentions for the tank? Do you have a closed loop or powerheads? What kind of head (height) are you pushing against - because you'll need to account for head loss. Do you want an in-sump or external pump. As you can see, there is a lot to consider.

I'm planning on setting up a 75g or 100g tank in the next couple months, and i'm a complete noob. I have no knowledge of plumbing (i'm more of a science guy ) or anything. So i'm not sure right now how high the tank will be above the sump. But I imagine it won't be more than a few feet, probably around 3-5'.

As for what kind of overflow, before I answer that I should probably research what kinds there are. As far as I know, I'll be using an overflow box thing with "teeth" in it that drains down to the sump via pvc pipes of course.

I'll be using powerheads and would prefer an in-sump pump.

If anyone has any good links on overflows and how they work and how to set one up let me know thanks.

[hamiltonguy]

Originally posted by NirvanaFan
I use an Eheim 1260 for my 75g. It fits my needs nicely. But, like others mentioned, you have to decide on your pump depending on the size of your overflow.

what exactly do you mean by "size of overflow?"

[NirvanaFan]

The size of the pvc that drains back to your sump.

[NirvanaFan]

not really overflow... but different overflows are rated for different amounts of water going through them (measured in gallons per hour).

[cdbias2]

I think that a 1"ID drain can handle 600 GPH.

How large is your tank and how many overflows do you have?

I also try for near 10x's my tank volume going through a filter sock.

I use a QO 4000 on a 90g with one predrilled overflow.
I use a QO 6000 on my 125 with 2 overflow boxes.

[hamiltonguy]

Well I don't have a tank yet I'm planning for a future 75g or 100g tank. I'll see what my wallet can support :P. But if it's a 75g tank I think I'll go with one of those black corner overflow box things with the teeth at the top (sorry don't know if they have an actual name). I'm not sure how much water would go through one or at what rate, still have to look that up.

[cdbias2]

One of those black plastic corner thingys handle 600 gph.

[hamiltonguy]

Originally posted by cdbias2
One of those black plastic corner thingys handle 600 gph.

Lol thanks. Now you can tell exactly how noob I am when it comes to setting up a sump and overflow and everything :P.

Just out of curiosity, is there a particular name for those kinds of overflows.

So if the overflow can handle 600gph, I should get a pump that can push a bit more than right? As SaltyDr said that flow can become restricted overtime due to build up of algae, minerals etc.

[cdbias2]

I think they are just standard "corner" overflows for a predrilled tank. The standard "backwall" predrilled overflows handle 800 gph.
A bit more is OK but you should also have a gate valve on the exit side to controll it.

[hamiltonguy]

Thanks cdbias2 and everyone else for all the help and advice.
One last question though, I don't think I can avoid sounding dumb but only way to learn I guess.

What exactly is a 1" ID drain?

[Sisterlimonpot]

inner diameter

[Sisterlimonpot]

I hate acronyms. I'm in the air force and we use them all the time. It’s like another language all together.

[hamiltonguy]

Originally posted by Sisterlimonpot
I hate acronyms. I'm in the air force and we use them all the time. It’s like another language all together.

I wanted to join the air force at one point but I don't have perfect vision so I couldn't. Instead I'm now following Medicine

[Toddrtrex]

Since you haven't bought the tank yet, I would try to spend the extra money and get a "Reef Ready" one -- basically it has the overflow built into the tank. It is a lot better then getting a "hang on the back" overflow box -- in the end they both do the same thing, but reef ready is a whole lot easier to work with and more reliable.

And since you said you are a total newb, here are two pictures of what I am talking about.

A reef ready tank (( in this picture it happens to be in the left corner, others might be slight off the corner, or in the middle. ))



A hang on the box overflow box, (( others will look slightly different, but the concept is basically the same. HOWEVER, if you have to go this route, make sure you get a "U-Tube" design ))

[hamiltonguy]

Lol, well I'm not THAT big of a noob :P. But yeah I do plan on getting a pre drilled tank with in-tank corner overflow. Thanks to melevsreef.com, I learned alot about the HOB overflow boxes and have not heard a lot of good feedback from many people on different forums. As for the "drain" (i don't if that's the right word to use) behind the corner overflow, I'm thinking of setting up a Durso Standpipe:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehou...0df42eb421510f

But yeah thanks for the advice toddrtrex, I'll def keep that in mind.