Pump size, In sump or out of sump???

[dundeels]

Hi All,
I'm changing my 54 gallon corner tank over from a fish only tank and moving in the direction of a reef tank. Currently, I have only one "spout" coming off the sump blowing the water back into the top of the tank from the overflow box. I'm wanting to add a second spout into the overflow box to blow water in the opposite direction in the tank. The pump that I have now is a 250gph that is pushing the water up about 5' to the top of the overflow box, powering this one spout.(By the way, what is the technical term for this piece, I can't remember it for the life of me??!?!?!?)
Here's the question, if I go with two "spouts" what size pump should I get? My LFS told me 650-900 GPH since I'm pushing the water column that high, splitting it off with 90 degree angles on the pvc(making resistance). Is that too much for a tank of my size? Also, should I get an external pump that doesn't sit down in the sump? Any suggestion on a quality pump that is quiet and will last? Thanks!!!

Jerry

[reefBoyDc]

A MAG 7 or 9 would be good for you. You can also add a SCWD to alternate the current. The only reason to use a non-submersible pump would be to prevent the pump from heating up the water. I think a mag would be great. I used a MAG 7 for many years.

[ILLBKING]

The pump you have will sufice for your return pump. You will want more flow in your tank for sure, but you wont want the water rushing through your sump. You generally want a flow equally to the amount of water your skimmer can process.
Install a CLS or use power heads to increase the flow in your tank.

[dundeels]

I'm also planning on upgrading the protein skimmer on the tank. It was surely part of a package deal that the previous owner got when he originally bought this setup. Any suggestions as far as brand/size? I'm reading here that you should always buy as good of a skimmer as funds allow. I'm thinking that I can part with up to $300 for a quality piece of equipment. Thanks again!

[ILLBKING]

When you say "on the tank" I assume it will be in the sump, or is it going to hang on the tank?

[dundeels]

Sorry about that, didn't mean to say "on the tank". Yes, it willl be down in the sump.

[ILLBKING]

Have you considered a DIY skilmmer like the ones that Geoff has on his link? you may end up with a better skimmer for the $ you are looking to spend.
I run a Auqa medic. It works well and I never have the issues that so many other speak of. It was 225.00 CND.

[seaham358]

no matter what pump you go with it needs to match the flow into the sump. What size bulkhead is the water going through into the sump?
what I'm trying to say is if your BH is 1" then that around 600gph of water flow into the sump. If you get a return pump too large it will pump water out of the sump faster then its going in. Something to think about... There are ways to get around larger pumps to match flow..