Confusion about sump flow for upgrade

[Klewis]

I'm going to be upgrading to a 150RR display on main floor with 75gallon sump in basement. I've been trying to understand turn over rates of flow, what's required and how to accomplish it, but I just don't get it. Any layman's explanations or corrections for the following statements would be appreciated by this perplexed fellow reefer.

The 150RR comes with two 1 inch drain bulk heads, I believe that is a drainage of 700 gallons per hour per bulkhead. Meaning 1400 gallons per hour can drain into the sump. I believe for proper protein skimming I have read a sump flow of two to four times a day of total water volume of the system is best for proteins to adhear to the air bubbles. Does this mean I need to control that potential 1400 gallons per hour to be only 25 gallons per hour? (150gal x 4 times a day/24 hours in a day = 25 gallons per hour) this does not sound right.

Next is the 150RR comes with two 3/4 inch bulk heads for the return line. Would I be using the return pumps to control the volume of water that will be draining. meaning once the flow and water levels are established if the return pump is returning 25 gallons per hour after head loss then will only 25 gallons per hour drain back into the sump?

Any guidance would be appreciated and any one with additional questions regarding this topic feel free to jump in, thank you for reading

Here are my plans. Need to choose return pump or pumps.

 

[reefer4eva]

I think your best bet is to get in touch with duke62 as he just setup a 180 with a sump/refugium in his basement.check out his tank thread you might even find your answer there or send him a PM.he lives near you also...hope this info helps duke is a great guy with great knowledge in this hobby

 

[Weicowireman]

You want the drains to be equal length, as of now you will have drain issues. I would also avoid running two pumps. I would run one large pump and run a manifold and tee off your return to feed your reactors if any & Refugium etc. if you run two internal pumps think of all that excess heat in the water and issues that could arise with two separate return pumps. I have a 150 gallon RR that I will be plumbing today.

 

[Weicowireman]

Any reason you want to use a internal pump as opposed to external?

 

[MysticalKnight]

Typically flow rate through the sump only needs to be 3-5 times total system volume and supplemental flow (closed loop, powerheads, wavebox) will make up the difference in total water flow (10-20x tank per hour or even more depending on corals, your preference). And tbh I believe most people here would agree with me on saying you won't get 700gph through a 1 inch bulkhead unless you are running a herbie in the overflow and the standpipe is at full siphon.

 

[Klewis]

Any reason you want to use a internal pump as opposed to external?

Real estate! The area in the basement I'm putting the sump is only 4 ft wide. If I was to use an external pump I would have to drill the front panel of the 75g tank. It's still an option but I would like to try to avoid it.

 

[Klewis]

Just came back from seeing Dukes62 system, thanks for the input and hospitality. Beautiful tank and set up. Now I need to remeasure and plan a new layout of the basement and a new budget for the toys...:scratchch