Help please!!

[Adam Mac]

OK so heres the deal. Im compulsive so along with that i buy then run into problems. Typical, right. So now i got this marineland model 4 sump. And am going threw the process of buying a return pump and a hang on overflow box. What exactly should i be in the range of as far as GPH for both overflow and water return rate. My tank is an 80 gallon. And this sump i believe holds roughly 35 gallons. So total gallons would be a 115. Anyone help a struggling newbiehttp://www.saskreef.ca/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif!?!?!

[imcosmokramer]

what skimmer are you using? You need to match your turnover rate to what your skimmer handles, otherwise, you're just returning dirty water back to your tank. I like low turnover through my sump anyways.
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[Adam Mac]

Just a crap seaclone 100 or whatever.... i know major problem. This was just to cycle water and stuff now with this new sump i bought I am going to get a new skimmer whichever one is best. Open to suggestions.

[whatcaneyedo]

The article Smart Reefs by Jake Adams in last months Coral magazine recommended no more than 4 times your display tank's volume per hour. For you that would be up to 320gph. I personally just went with the first pump that I found a good deal on. Nothing about my tank is very energy efficient (or well planned)... Maybe the next one will be.

http://coralmagazine.coverleaf.com/coral/20100304#pg3

This article recommends 3 to 5 times the display tanks volume per hour.
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[bioload]

Specs on Sump 4

Overall Dimensions 38-13/16" x 15-7/16" x 19-17/32" high
Sump Dimensions 38-13/16 x 15-7/16" x 15-21/32" high
For Aquariums 125 to 265 gallons
Max Flow 1,400 gph
Intake Dual 1"

If you plan on running all of the overflow water through your skimmer your pump will need to be matched to that flow.

Unfortunately not an easy answer without knowing what equipment you would be using and what sort of pluming will be used. I usually pick a return pump based on the number of devices I plan on running off of the one pump (skimmer + phosphate + UV + head loss etc...) = the overflow rate desired. Circulation within the tank is better attained using power heads, wave makers, closed loop...etc

Keep in mind that if your flow is too high you can always bypass back into the sump, however inefficient, but if it is too low you will need to upgrade or add additional pumps.

All that being said have a look @ these Eheim 1262 (http://www.marinedepot.com/Eheim_1262_Pump_500_to_1000_Gallons_Per_Hour_Subme rsible_Water_Pumps-Eheim-EH1046-FIWPSBFT-EH1262-vi.html), Danner Mag-Drive Supreme 9.5 (http://www.marinedepot.com/Danner_Mag_Drive_Supreme_9.5_950_GPH_Water_Pump_50 0_to_1000_Gallons_Per_Hour_Submersible_Water_Pumps-Danner_Mfg.-DN1111-FIWPSBFT-DN1127-vi.html)

[Doug]

Adam,
My preference if I had to use a hang on overflow would only be a LifeReef. I would use no other myself. Of course drilling is by far the best way to go.

I have a 35g with a 25g sump and run an Ocean Runner 2500. If you wished more turn over, not really needed though, one could go to the next size. Great pumps at a decent price.

As for skimmers, I,m running a SWC 160 cone. Excellent skimmer for the price. Reviews on them in the equipment forum. Also many other great in sump skimmers, from some of our sponsors. Perhaps scan some of the journal threads or again, in the filter section of the equipment forum.