Suggested Size For Circ. Pump

mtgardner · 11-28-2006, 12:45 PM

What gph pump is suggested for a 100g FOWLR tank with duel overflow and a 40 gallon sump. Running a Etss skimmer. Plan on moving on to a fish/reef tank.

Also what brand of pump is suggested.

I am running equipment I inherited with the system

Currently for circulatioon I am running a CA-1800 powerhead with 3.5 feet of lift.It is rated at 500 gph at this lift.

I am also running a ca-1800 on the skimmer which is obviously pumping at a higher volume as there is minimal lift. or 800gph. so the skimmer is processing the water in the sump faster than the circ pump is bringing water into the sump so I have running the skimmer for one day and shutting it off for one day.

thanks Ed

abigtroutt · 11-28-2006, 01:16 PM

Go with a Velocity pump! They rule! I have a T-2 and it is super quiet!
My tank is a 110 R/R.

Twitterbait · 11-28-2006, 01:45 PM

i would run a gen-x pcx 55 or so. depends on the bulkhead size though.

Geoff · 11-28-2006, 02:08 PM

your Ca-1800 on the skimmer is really only pushing about 400gph at best. skimmers put a huge load on a pump. i am also guessing by looking at that skimmer that the Ca-1800 has been modified as a needlewheel pump. this cuts the water it can push even more.

i would also suggest the Velocity series of pumps. well worth their price if noise is even a remote concern for you. i would match the return pump to about 400-500gph, the same as what your skimmer is processing. i would add additional flow in the tank through either a closed loop system, or a propellor power head or two. either the Tunze or the Seio's.

G~