New tank setup - Need return pump advice

T

Trasma2

[I am setting up a 175 RR and I am looking at the different pumps for the return to the display. How many GPH should I aim for? It will have to rise about 5.5-6 feet to re-enter the display tank.

Also what should the flow be through my refuge area?

Anyone’s help would be appreciated]
 
[If i use the setup like in the diag will return line#1 still have enough pressure to lift 6' and still move water to the display tank or will it all go to the refuge?]
 
[The valve before the fuge is going to be closed off mostly, which should force most of the water up to the tank. Use a gate valve though, not a ball valve. Gate valves are much better for fine adjustments, ball valves are better for on/off. (again wishing I had taken my own advice)

How big is the sump / fuge you intend to use? I'd probably shoot for 1200-1800 GPH through the sump/fuge, assuming its big enough to allow it, too small and with that much water through it you may get micro bubbles and rushing water. Looks like your on the right path.]
 
[What are your plans for the tank (i.e. FOWLR, Sofites, Mix, SPS, etc.)?
What are your plans for flow inside the tank (not counting returns; CL, powerheads, etc.)?

You really don't need a lot of flow from your return pump if the other flow methods in the display are planned correctly. 3-5x your display size is usually fine for your sump return. You can go with more but as was mentioned you may run into microbuible issues.

Adding the info above will help us to give you a better recommendation.]
 
[Agree with Josh. You are definitly on the right path. Give us a little more infoi and we can help more.

Do you plan on additional circulation through a closed loop or powerheads?

Given so far though I would not suggest more than a Mag 12 or so for the pump. With everythign that will still give you at least 800 GPH through the sump which is plenty! I might even go with a Mag 9.5.]



Edited By kwl1763 on 1111987035
 
@grim-bob wrote:
[What are your plans for the tank (i.e. FOWLR said:
[What are your plans for the tank (i.e. FOWLR, Sofites, Mix, SPS, etc.)?

I would like to have a mix of all if I can. I am still researching to find out what I need to handle everything. I like all different types. I would like to have a large amount of fish in the tank as well.

What are your plans for flow inside the tank (not counting returns; CL, powerheads, etc.)?
I have not gotten to the that point yet. I guess I would have a few power heads in there circulating the water. I have 4 maxi-jet 1200 that I can use. What is the best route to go?

Did I mention this is my first reef tank? :lookaround:

I have two different pumps already, I have a Quiet One- 5000 and a Mag 1800. I am assuming that I could use the Mag18 since it has 1375GPH at 4ft. Would that be enough to have the two return lines and the feed for the refuge?]
Click to expand...
 
[I'm not completely familiar with the QuietOne pumps but according to the performance curve over at marinedepot it will get ~800GPH at 6ft.

You might consider using the QuietOne for your return pump and use the Mag 18 on a closed loop. Then utilize your powerheads for additional flow if needed. You can use gravity (RR drain) to feed the sump and the fuge.

You mentioned wanting a lot of fish. Typically a large amount of fish and a reef tank don't go together. Having a high bioload makes it difficult to keep parameters in line which then will stress and kill corals. But then again your idea of a large amount of fish and mine might be completely different.

Speaking of bio-load, I don't remember you mentioning a skimmer. What are your skimmer plans?]
 
@grim-bob wrote:
[I'm not completely familiar with the QuietOne pumps but according to the performance curve over at marinedepot it will get ~800GPH at 6ft. You might consider using the QuietOne for your return pump and use the Mag 18 on a closed loop. Then utilize your powerheads for additional flow if needed. You can use gravity (RR drain) to feed the sump and the fuge. You mentioned wanting a lot of fish. Typically a large amount of fish and a reef tank don't go together. Having a high bioload makes it difficult to keep parameters in line which then will stress and kill corals. But then again your idea of a large amount of fish and mine might be completely different. Speaking of bio-load said:
[I have a Bullet 2 from Percision Marine.]
Click to expand...
 
[Agree with Josh. The QuietOne for the return and the Mag 18 on a closed loop. You can use the maxijets for any deadspots or if you want to do a wavemaker or something like that!]
 
[Awsome! I dont supose either of you have any suggestions for lighting? I currently have a "72in Orbit 4x96 watt SunPaq with Lunar Lights & Fan". Will that be powerfull enough or would it need to be upgraded also?]
 
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