Return Pump

Marco Fernandes · 11/27/2010, 07:18 AM

I have a 43 galons aqua and i try to use a return pump of 1050g/hour, but it produced a lot of micro bubbels so i cant even see the rock ...

Whats the best pump for return of my aqua? im running as a backup return pump with one wich says its 220 g/h but seems lshort for my aqua, don´t you guys think? please help me cause this is my first aqua and dont know realy wich pump to use..

TripleT · 11/27/2010, 07:37 AM

Is this a nano system?

A tank with a sump?

Marco Fernandes · 11/27/2010, 08:09 AM

Its a tank with a sump, and the pump i told ( the one of 220g/h , ) i mjust measure it and its returning just 31g/hour, wich im sure its realy short, but still dont know wich is right?

username in use · 11/27/2010, 08:19 AM

I would think that for a 40g tank, something in the neighborhood of 4-500gph would suffice. You will want to augment with some powerheads, but any more than that through the sump and you will start to have a problem with micro bubbles. How big is the sump, and do you have baffles separating it into chambers?

TripleT · 11/27/2010, 08:22 AM

3-5 times your system volume through your sump.

So 220 sounds good, as long as that's what you're getting after head pressure, and any elbows in the return.

For example, see the chart here:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...FIWPSBUF&tab=1

Using info like this, you might select a Mag 3 for 270 GPH at 4 feet of head pressure, if that is how far the water is traveling upward.

TripleT · 11/27/2010, 08:23 AM

A great source of related info:

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

TripleT · 11/27/2010, 08:24 AM

And a head pressure calculator:

http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

username in use · 11/27/2010, 09:39 AM

don't forget to calculate any elbows into your head pressure, as well as the diameter of your line. I know the mag pumps can be cut by half if you don't use a wide enough pipe.

Marco Fernandes · 11/27/2010, 01:51 PM

Thanks a lot for all the help you guys gave to me. Whats the consequence of having less than the appropriate circulation on the return pump. Just will be less times thet the water from the tank getts filtrated or passes on the skimmer right?

Im my case i have enough circulation with 2x sunsun 5000, so i dont need return water to help in that matter,,

11/27/2010, 07:18 AM	#1
Marco Fernandes Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 30	Return Pump I have a 43 galons aqua and i try to use a return pump of 1050g/hour, but it produced a lot of micro bubbels so i cant even see the rock ... Whats the best pump for return of my aqua? im running as a backup return pump with one wich says its 220 g/h but seems lshort for my aqua, don´t you guys think? please help me cause this is my first aqua and dont know realy wich pump to use..

11/27/2010, 08:19 AM	#4
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	I would think that for a 40g tank, something in the neighborhood of 4-500gph would suffice. You will want to augment with some powerheads, but any more than that through the sump and you will start to have a problem with micro bubbles. How big is the sump, and do you have baffles separating it into chambers? __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

11/27/2010, 09:39 AM	#8
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	don't forget to calculate any elbows into your head pressure, as well as the diameter of your line. I know the mag pumps can be cut by half if you don't use a wide enough pipe. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

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11/27/2010, 07:37 AM	#2
TripleT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,092	Is this a nano system? A tank with a sump?

11/27/2010, 08:09 AM	#3
Marco Fernandes Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 30	Its a tank with a sump, and the pump i told ( the one of 220g/h , ) i mjust measure it and its returning just 31g/hour, wich im sure its realy short, but still dont know wich is right?

11/27/2010, 08:22 AM	#5
TripleT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,092	3-5 times your system volume through your sump. So 220 sounds good, as long as that's what you're getting after head pressure, and any elbows in the return. For example, see the chart here: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...FIWPSBUF&tab=1 Using info like this, you might select a Mag 3 for 270 GPH at 4 feet of head pressure, if that is how far the water is traveling upward.

11/27/2010, 08:23 AM	#6
TripleT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,092	A great source of related info: http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

11/27/2010, 08:24 AM	#7
TripleT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,092	And a head pressure calculator: http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

11/27/2010, 01:51 PM	#9
Marco Fernandes Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 30	Thanks a lot for all the help you guys gave to me. Whats the consequence of having less than the appropriate circulation on the return pump. Just will be less times thet the water from the tank getts filtrated or passes on the skimmer right? Im my case i have enough circulation with 2x sunsun 5000, so i dont need return water to help in that matter,,