View Full Version : How much flow for sump and in tank?
spit.fire
09-17-2011, 05:17 PM
trying to figure out how much flow i need for my sump to return to the tank on a 55g with a 25g sump
i have pumps that will run anywhere from 600-1600gph
also how much flow should i have in my tank as far as circulation pumps
atm i have 3 korilias sitting around that im planning on sticking in but is that too much, too little, or just right
Aquattro
09-17-2011, 05:38 PM
I'm setting up a 50g right now, I'm going to use a MAG7 for return, so probably about 400gph after losses. I like longer dwell time in the sump.
In tank depends a lot on what you're keeping. SPS in a bare bottom tank can take 100x turn over, softies and such with sugar sand, not so much. As stuff grows, you'll find you may have to increase flow.
Start with the in tank korallias, see how they work. If you're doing a dingle return, start with the 600gph. Multiple outlets, go bigger.
ScubaSteve
09-17-2011, 05:39 PM
Well, that all depends. First of all, what are you keeping? Different livestock have different flown characteristics. I keep mostly SPS, so the flow in my 40 gallon tank is probably close to 1500 gph... So that's what? 35x turn over? But then again i yave a different tank design that really breaks up that flow, so it doesnt seem that high. If youhave softies or LPS you can do much lower. There are no hard and fast rules for flow, do what you need to do so your livestock is happy and you don't have any dead spots in the tank.
For the sump, there is a lot of debate as to the flow. Some people say 10x your total sump volume... So that 250gph. I said screw that and with my new build that I am doing as we speak I am going 500 gph through a 15 gallon sump
SeaHorse_Fanatic
09-17-2011, 05:40 PM
I like lots of flow in tank & slow flow through the sump for greater dwelling time.
ScubaSteve
09-17-2011, 05:42 PM
Start with the in tank korallias, see how they work. If you're doing a dingle return, start with the 600gph. Multiple outlets, go bigger.
Ah man, those dingle returns are awesome :razz:
I should also say I am running a mag9.5
Aquattro
09-17-2011, 05:50 PM
How the heck did I type that???? sheesh. Single. Single. returns :)
spit.fire
09-17-2011, 05:52 PM
im planning on growing mainly lps, some sps and zoos
softies will be in my other tank
i have 2 returns coming from the sump on either end of the tank and 2 overflows in a corner overflow
Aquattro
09-17-2011, 05:58 PM
With a 25g sump, I'd stay lower in return flow. For the contents, I think you'll be fine with the korallias.
The Grizz
09-17-2011, 06:14 PM
or just add some of these Eductor Accelerator Loc line MaxFlow
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Eductor-Accelerator-Loc-line-MaxFlow-2x-4x-1-2-inch-/370414775935?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563e70ee7f
Then you could use a smaller pump.
Aquattro
09-17-2011, 06:20 PM
or just add some of these Eductor Accelerator Loc line MaxFlow
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Eductor-Accelerator-Loc-line-MaxFlow-2x-4x-1-2-inch-/370414775935?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563e70ee7f
Then you could use a smaller pump.
These work as advertised, but they add a lot of length to the return and might not work that way. I used one on a seaswirl and it was like waving a large stick across the tank :)
Reef Pilot
09-17-2011, 06:41 PM
Can these be bought around the Lower Mainland here somewhere?
Aquattro
09-17-2011, 06:41 PM
I think I got mine at Ocean Aquatics.
Reef Pilot
09-17-2011, 07:32 PM
I think I got mine at Ocean Aquatics.
I looked at their plumbing supplies online, as well as J&L, but didn't see any Eductor nozzles. I saw some flared and round nozzles, but I don't think they are the same thing?
Aquattro
09-17-2011, 07:45 PM
I don't see it on their site, I bought it in store a couple years ago. Not sure if it's a regular stocked item. Give them a call and see what they've got.
Reef Pilot
09-17-2011, 07:47 PM
OK, will check them out further. Thanks for the tip.
spit.fire
09-18-2011, 12:22 AM
if they are made by locline i can order them in
i can pretty much order any locline parts through work, and different colors :D
The Grizz
09-18-2011, 12:29 AM
if they are made by locline i can order them in
i can pretty much order any locline parts through work, and different colors :D
That would sweet to be able to do if you can get it reasonably priced, loc-line is expencive main reason I try to find it on EBay.
spit.fire
09-18-2011, 05:49 AM
looks like i dont have to worry about flow anymore... broke the tank :(
worst part is it wasnt from drilling... it was from moving the tank inside the house the side pannel blew out
e46er
09-18-2011, 04:58 PM
That as to hear
Sorry for your luck
spit.fire
09-18-2011, 06:53 PM
i found out the tank i have sitting empty outside is the same size but 3/8 glass, i was gonna get rid of it because the plastic trim was all messed up but i started to pull it off and realized the glass is all polished so im going to do a rimless setup
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