How to determine return pump size?

[bb0029]

I am still battling between one of the HOB skimmers and a sump with a skimmer in it. I think I started to shy away from the sump idea cause I am not real sure on how to figure out what pump I need or even where to begin looking. The tank itself is a 90g and the sump is a 20g long if I went that route.

i am not really sure at what I would be shooting for honestly. Thanks

[Fat Tony]

I wouldn't shy away from the sump. A 30 long would be an ideal sump for you. ANd you are going to get better performance out of a decent in sump skimmer than you will out of a HOB skimmer... Anyway, you want to flow 3-5x's the sump volume (or equal to the skimmer throughput) whichever is greater. IMO a pump with about 4-500 gph at 0 head pressure would be a good match.

[bb0029]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

........ IMO a pump with about 4-500 gph at 0 head pressure would be a good match.

You are right about the sump. Everything I read leads me right back to a sump. Could you break this down for me a bit please. I don't understand the 0 head pressure portion of it.

[ckusnierek]

Remember that before you decide on a pump you need to decide on a overflow.
They are rated for a mag GPH. if you get a return pump rated for more than the overflow it will overflow...

As far as a HOB skimmer There are not many "good" ones out there rated for larger tanks.

Going with a sump open up so many more possibilities, besides the obvious increase in volume (always good) you can run a bigger skimmer, have a refugium, remote DSB, or even a mini frag tank...

[bb0029]

Ok just for S&G's I decided to go with this one.
http://www.aquacave.com/NPDPopImage....20CS90%201.jpg

I just picked one that had good reviews and it says it is rated at 600gph. The deluxe model says it comes with a lid as well as a Aqua-Lifter pump (have no idea what that is)

Here is the link to the product itself.
http://www.aquacave.com/cs90-siphon-...heReefTank.com

[Fat Tony]

you didn't buy it yet did you? please say no.

[bb0029]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

you didn't buy it yet did you? please say no.

No I just randomly picked one. I have no idea what any of these are as far as whats good and bad.

[Fat Tony]

Good... whew!

Here's what you want:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=18358

Model # PF1000
and depending on your budget, an Eheim 1260 would match well with it

[Fat Tony]

And for a good, reasonably priced skimmer,,, just several hundred less (and you can make some upgrades to this one, than the MSX250)

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca...duct_info.html

This is the skimmer I run on my tank. You will have to make an air silencer and I would highly suggest a GateValve mod...

[Fat Tony]

I will also give you a hand with the sump, when I get a chance.. it will be a month or so from now, for me to drive to Athesn though

Any sooner than that and you will have to come to SC

[bb0029]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

Good... whew!

Here's what you want:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=18358

Model # PF1000
and depending on your budget, an Eheim 1260 would match well with it

Hey thats cheaper then the crappier one lol. :P
I don't know about pumps either. I just know that I want one to be quiet. Here is the one you are talking about I believe.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=4604


Ok now with that out of the way why did you pick those 2? The overflow is rated at 900gph, the pump is rated at 634 gph with a max head of 12.1 feet at 65 watts?

[bb0029]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

I will also give you a hand with the sump, when I get a chance.. it will be a month or so from now, for me to drive to Athesn though

Any sooner than that and you will have to come to SC

I will take you up on that!

[Fat Tony]

Originally Posted by bb0029

Hey thats cheaper then the crappier one lol. :P
I don't know about pumps either. I just know that I want one to be quiet. Here is the one you are talking about I believe.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=4604


Ok now with that out of the way why did you pick those 2? The overflow is rated at 900gph, the pump is rated at 634 gph with a max head of 12.1 feet at 65 watts?

The pump will be closer to 450 gph at 4'

Oh yeah... they don't get any quieter than an Ehein, nor dependable. I t will last you almost as long as you will be in the hobby with a good annual vinegar soaked maintenance schedule.

And did you noticed that the unit I linked to had U-Tubes instead of a bunch of flat "weirs" to make the overflow? The weir type overflows have been known to have lots of floods... the Utube overflows are best known as reliable and when set up correctly, will not allow a flood due to a failed siphon.

[Fat Tony]

Originally Posted by bb0029

I will take you up on that!

Which part... the you coming here, or me going there part?

[bb0029]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

......... And did you noticed that the unit I linked to had U-Tubes instead of a bunch of flat "weirs" to make the overflow? ........

I did notice the U-tubes and now that you mention it just about every picture of overflows I have seen on the forums have U-tubes as well.

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

Which part... the you coming here, or me going there part?

I can come to you. September is pretty much booked for me. October would be good, really anytime you have available. Whatever is convenient for you since you are the master mind.