return pump size?

[Myka]

Honestly, I would put less flow than the 3000. I like to have my turnover around 6-7x through the sump. That would put you around 325-400 gph. Remember you can (usually) safely throttle back with a ball/gate valve about 10-15% without causing too much stress on the pump.

[cwickham]

thanks for all the info, i was hoping to not have to add a power head, but i also dont want to push micro bubbles through my tank, guess its one or the other

thanks
craig

[Myka]

You WILL have to add a powerhead(s). The only way you can potentially eliminate powerheads is if you create a closed loop, which essentially works like and external powerhead. It doesn't run through the sump. You need the powerhead(s) to keep detritus from settling on the sand, as well many corals need the extra flow. When you find a nook where the detritus settles you need to adjust your powerhead(s) or get another one.

I have a 33g setup currently and I'm running a MaxiJet 1200 for circulation. I also have an AquaClear 500 (has rubble in it, and a sack of carbon every once in awhile), and a Remora skimmer which is powered by a MJ1200 as well adding to the flow. It also has a MJ400 running a PhosBan Reactor, but it's dialed back so far it hardly counts. My tank could use a touch more flow, but it's getting pretty cluttered. As least with the sump you will be able to eliminate a lot of the stuff I have to put right in the tank like the skimmer, reactor, heater, and you could put the carbon in the sump instead of an AquaClear. Can't wait for my new tank (with sump!) to be ready!

[cwickham]

its soo exciting, takes so long to get everything ready, hahahaha

i will definalty have to add some power heads then i guess
thanks

[Kronk]

http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/hlc2...=4&Entrances=1

Might help you decide.