Return pump size??

bosscrab · 03-31-2007, 10:44 AM

Im trying to figure out what size return pump I will need if there 2 1" bulkhead.

SPC · 03-31-2007, 10:47 AM

Each 1" bulkhead should handle 600 gallons.

What you are going to have to do is figure out the head the pump will ne pushing against, are you familar with this?

Steve

bosscrab · 03-31-2007, 10:53 AM

Thats the height from pump to of tank?

SPC · 03-31-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosscrab

Thats the height from pump to of tank?

Yes but pipe length and fittings must also be figured in: http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2.php

Another thing to keep in mind is whether you want to try and run 11 or 1200 gallons through your sump (micro bubbles returned to the main tank may be a problem), or run less and get your main tank water flow from in- tank pumps (Tunze Stream etc...), or closed loops.

Steve

TitansFan · 03-31-2007, 11:25 AM

Another thing to do try to match the flow through your sump to your skimmer. If you are pushing tons of flow past your skimmer it can decrease its performance. What kind of skimmer are you going to use?

bosscrab · 03-31-2007, 11:56 AM

I have a small skimmer from LFS w/a rio 800 on that. Should I not have 2 bulkheads? Would that be to much water flow. I havent drilled them yet so I could just put 1 in the center. Still plan on a coast to coast though.

TitansFan · 03-31-2007, 12:03 PM

Your bulkheads are only going to flow as much water as they are provided from a return pump. You could do 2 bulkheads and have one feed down to the sump and the other to plumb your return through. Are you going to have a fuge as well? You wouldn't want 1200gph going through a fuge... I personally usually try to do 3x-5x my tanks volume through my sump.

SPC brings up good points. The faster the flow the harder battle with microbubbles. I try to do all my flow in my tank with closed loops or powerheads.

bosscrab · 03-31-2007, 12:22 PM

No fuge. So im wanting a pump rated for 300gph plus any head that is lost.

TitansFan · 03-31-2007, 04:03 PM

That is what I would shoot for if I was in your position. If I had alot of money to spend I would get an eheim. If i were on a budget (which according to my wife I am) I would get a quietone pump. I use all quietone pumps and never had a problem with them.

bosscrab · 03-31-2007, 04:35 PM

yeah I was looking at eheims. I have a little over 4' to the top of tank and the 1250 would be right under 3x turnover w/out calculating any rectriction from piping. With that in mind would that be best to go w/the 1260 and dial it back.
You can always argue that they might be expensive at first but in the long run they draw less power so could be considered cheaper.

TitansFan · 03-31-2007, 04:48 PM

I would probably do the 1260 and dial it back. Something I did that worked out well for me was my "T" I added. On my return I put a T. The top end of it goes to the tank for the return. The side end goes to a ballvalve above my sump. For water changes I turn off the valve going to my return and open the valve on the T. I have some flexible PVC glued at the T I can put in a bucket to fill it. It makes for a quick easy water change.

bosscrab · 03-31-2007, 04:51 PM

cool let me see who has it cheapiest

SPC · 03-31-2007, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosscrab

Should I not have 2 bulkheads? Would that be to much water flow. I havent drilled them yet so I could just put 1 in the center. Still plan on a coast to coast though.

Most definitely go with the 2 IMO.

yeah I was looking at eheims

I agree, well worth the extra $ from the research I have done. Pump brands come and go, but the Ehiems have been a solid performer for many years now.

Steve