I need circulation advise... please.

[yort265]

I'm in the planning stage for a 100gal DT with an approx. 20-30gal sump and I'm trying to figure circulation out.. I've read that the more circulation, the better. Some even say 20X water volume circulation is ok.

I like the idea of having a lot of water flow as it makes the tank seem/look more active, but at the same time I don't wanna make it a constant challenge for the fish, nor do I want to blast corals too hard.

I have 2 questions though:

1) Is the circulation flow everyone talks about the total circulation of your sump return & the reg circulation pumps inside the tank?

2) Is this too much?:

I'm thinking about a Mag Drive Supreme 18 (1800 GPH max -- realistically prob about 1400-1600 GPH) as the return pump from the sump. I've been told you can dial down the Mag Drive pumps without hurting them, so I think I could throttle it back if the 18 was too much. For circulation in the tank I woud like (2) VorTech EcoSmart MP40W ES circulation propellor pumps. I like the design and they have excellent reviews, but I think their output range is 1000-3200 GPH. They wirelessly "talk" to each other to created wave patterns based on your needs or preferences so they would constantly be changing outputs. There will be 1 VorTech pump on each side of a 60" long tank so I may need a powerful pump.. just not sure if these are the right ones.

Thanks for any info.
Troy

 

[Eckolancer]

I would use a t set up on the return found on this page:
http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html

Then I would look at maybe only one MP40 with a MP10. 2 40s might be a little much. But you would be surprised at how much current is actually going on in a reef.

 

[mmiller40]

2 40s would be fine in a 100. I would do push near that much through your return. Mag 9 tops

 

[Guest]

@yort265 wrote:

I would turn the tank over 10 times per hour max with the return pump. Miller is right mag 9.5 tops. You could do a T and a manifold on the 18 and use it to run other items in the future but I've never had luck dialing those in. It just ends up being something that needs constant attention. I think the idea of 2 mp40s is perfect.

 

[DFW]

I personally want the water flow to be slow through the sump, so mag 5, or even mag 3 for the return works for me.

David

 

[mmiller40]

Yeah I think running a mj1200 to run your reactors and a smaller return is better. Not only will you save lots of electric you will save on upfront cost. You will save at least 60$ on buying a mag 9 (or smaller) and cut the watts and heat almost in half. Your going to have more than enough flow with the 2 mp40s even at 60%.