return bulkhead sizes and pump size

[kasha]

can anyone reliably tell me what is the largest pump i can use with one 1" return bulkhead on my 90G (mag 7,9.5, 12 or in GPH)?

thanks

 

[KathyC]

As a rule, a 1" bulkhead can move 600gph.
You should take into account the following:
- crud that will eventually build up in your piping and slow the flow
- all of the elbows - you lose flow there too
- head height, the volume of flow you lose by water traveling upwards

A Mag 9.5 will give you 950gph...and you can adjust the flow to what you need so that it equals what amount of water is draining from the tank by adding a ballvalve (or gate valve better yet - easier to adjust) to the OUTPUT of the pump. Never add a ball valve to the input side of a pump, you'll wear the pump out faster.

 

[junglebase]

can anyone reliably tell me what is the largest pump i can use with one 1" return bulkhead on my 90G (mag 7,9.5, 12 or in GPH)?

thanks

I believe you will have to mention how many and how big the overflows you have to get a more accurate recommendation.

 

[kasha]

I believe you will have to mention how many and how big the overflows you have to get a more accurate recommendation.

i have 1 overflow connecting to a 1" bulkhead at the bottom

 

[junglebase]

i have 1 overflow connecting to a 1" bulkhead at the bottom

If my guess is correct that will drain 600 gph down to your sump.. so you would need a pump that will have the same power sending back water to your display tank plus any adjustment for head loss....

 

[reefs4life]

What about two 3/4" holes? I'm about to drill a 20 gallon tank for an octopus how much return does that give me?