Skimmer flow rate

[skinsfan]

I'm planning a 120 build (4x2x2), and have settled on an H&S A150-F2001 skimmer... Now the tank has overflows so will be fed via that, but what would a good flow rate be? I like the blueline pump line but didn't know a good GPH to shoot for with that skimmer.

Also is it better to get an overrated return pump and put a ball valve on it to tone it down if its to much water flow, or just get a pump after head loss calc that is slightly less than the GPH that you are shooting for... I like the idea of turning it up if I ever need more flow but didn't know if the back pressured from the pipe restriction is bad for the pump or what to do with the extra flow.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Backpressure on a pump's output won't harm it. But if the pump is grossly oversized then you're wasting electricity and adding excess heat.

Check the skimmer's instructions for its recommended GPH.

You could always T off the return pump and have some go through the chiller, and the rest return straight to the tank.

 

[Anonymous]

Unless you really turn down a pump for a long period of time you will not damage it by restricting the flow on the out put side. You should never restrict the intake side of a pump.

If it were me I would size the pump after losses to run wide open. If you need more in tank flow later you can add a power head (tunze, vortec, etc). Like JohnHenry stated running a too large pump throttled back is a waste of electricity.

I have a blueline 150ps on my tank (150 gal) and it does the job nice. My skimmer is an euroreef ES250 (non-recirulating).

BTW

:welcome:

 

[skinsfan]

Thanks for the input...

H&S site is pretty bad, and there isn't much info out on the web about the A150's... Besides buying the thing or calling H&S does anyone know where I can get a PDF instruction guide or some specs for the skimmer?

 

[Anonymous]

Got me. You can try an internet search.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry, misread your earlier post. I now see that no chiller is involved.

 

[skinsfan]

About the flow through...
The manufacturers and distributors of recirculating needlewheel skimmers have been recommending a flow through of about 1.5x tank volume/hr. In your tank, that would be around 100 gallons/hr. By reducing the flow through, you will increase the reaction time. Presumably, this allows the skimmer to pull out some of the more stubborn organics out.


found this on RC... So looks like i'll be shooting around 180-200 GPH after head loss.