Pumps and Turnover Rate

[pixelpixi]

My new aquarium (65 gallon + 25 gallon sump) came with a 1200 GPH Iwaki return pump. It seems... excessive. I think that's probably about the right amount of flow for this tank but I feel like I'd be better off with a way smaller return pump and a couple powerheads or a closed loop for flow.

Soo... I'm thinking about ditching that pump for something small. Maybe as low as 100 gph. Then I could set the skimmer up recirculating and have the overflow drain directly into it. What do you guys think?

A couple related question:

- What brand pumps do you guys like? I want something quiet and reliable.
- If I do a closed loop I'd need to install the loop pump above the cabinet due to space restrictions. Are there pumps that can be installed a couple feet above the water level and self prime?

 

[phishphood]

Well assuming you plumb the pump correctly with no leaks, and the inlet and outlet are below the lowest water line (when power goes out and water drains down to the sump, they're both fully submerged) then it shouldn't be a problem. No air will make it's way up to the impeller.

As for a quiet reliable pump for sump return, I like Oceanrunners. I used a 2500 for a few years with no problem, and great energy efficiency.

 

[pixelpixi]

It would still have to be primed the first time though, right? I guess I could T off at the highest point and manually prime it somehow. Hmm.

I'll check out the Oceanrunners. Thanks!

 

[fishnfst]

I think 100gph is still a little slow for 90g total water volume.. Look for something in teh mid 300's @ 3' of head.. Is there enough room behind your tank and stand fo ryou to build a little shelf for your CL pump? You could try and build something to hang it behind your stand.. I really am liking the Eheim pumps right now with quiet ones a second and mags are my third chocie .. These are all if I 'm running submersible.. I've heard good things about the ocean runners also but they are huge...

 

[sfsuphysics]

I don't even have 1200gph on my broken 100, nor my non-broken 120, I agree it's a bit excessive. I don't think you can go wrong with an Eheim pump, however they are a bit on the pricy side.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Personally I have had very good luck with the Mag Drive pumps. They are inexpensive and mine has been running without a hick-up for over 3 years. I would go with the Mag5 or the Mag7 at a 4' head they are 310gph and 450gph.

I am also not a big fan of closed loops. I would just use the flow from the return pump and a couple of power heads to get the flow rate needed. No extra drilling or plumbing needed.

 

[tuberider]

I agree on the Oceanrunners, they are great pumps. You can get by with ~300gph, and powerheads just fine. Shoot I'd say you could get by with 100 gph, but I've never tried it so I can't say for sure it would work, but I don't see why it wouldn't.

I shoot for ~5-7X turnover when planning setups.

I really like the idea of having a gravity fed recirc skimmer, I have an old Euro Reef lying around I've been planning on doing that with, I just haven't figured out what type of pump, and how I want to mod it yet.

 

[pixelpixi]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I'll look into those pumps.

fishnfst: I have zero clearance behind my tank. That's part of the problem.