Return pump sizing

[ruab]

I have a recently set up 185Gal wide tank (60Lx30Wx24D). It has two corner overflows with dursos in it which are soft-plumbed to a sump. Because my LFS forgot to order a return pump for me (among other things...), we just used the Mag 9.5 off my old 75gal. The Mag 9.5 is then T-d off up to the two overflow boxes, where each then T-s off into 2 outlets (4 outlets total). There is also about 5.5 vertical feet between the sump level and the outlets.

The tank has been running like this for a few weeks, and seems to be OK, but I cant help but feel I need more circulation down to my sump. Can anyone recommend a good pump to replace the Mag 9.5 with, and what kind of gph rating I should be looking for in this setup?

Given the location, the volume of the pump is also important.. in terms of priority, I would like a pump that is 1) Quiet, 2) High Quality, 3) Efficient.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[trido]

Is it an AGA? If so I wouldnt use any thing bigger than a Mag 12 because 1" Bulkhead overflows are only rated for 600GPH each for a total of 1200GPH. Hence the Mag 12. Its not really a good idea to max out the overflows........Just in case. :wink:

 

[ruab]

Its not an AGA, but it does have 1" bulkheads. So, with a Mag 12 running at 6 feet or so of head, with the T-s in it, should leave me with enough overhead to be fine? Are there any pumps which run quieter than the Mag 12, or are those pretty much the de-facto (submersible) return pumps?

 

[Anonymous]

If you want to stay with a submersiable pump I would go with the Mag 18. After lift and losses you would only see about 1000 gph. The mag 12 will give you about 700 gph after lift and losses. I ran 2 mag 18's and a 12 on a tank and they are all quiet if you isolate them well to deal with the vibration. Which is something you will have to deal with no matter what pump you use.

 

[ruab]

What do you recommend for isolating them? Currently, I just have a piece of pre-filter insulation underneath all my pumps (return, refugium, chiller). It helps some, but not alot. Is there some other material which would be better suited?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Anonymous]

I've use the cheap, thick, soft mouse pads with some luck. I like to use a double layer. It also helps to have so flex pipe in the system to dampen some of the vibration that gets transfered into the system. Flex PVC is good since it uses the same fitting as regular PVC.

 

[rbursek]

Jason,
my set up is a Mag 18 with about 8 ft of head, I estimate I have about 1000 gph flow. If you go to Dr. Foster and Smith at Liveaquaria. com and go to the Mag pumps and click on more info, they will give you head loss specs, They also have a Mag 18 super, I am very happy with the Mag pumps, for quality, power and price. Mine came with a foam pad to put on the bottom of it. Just remember about your over capacity, but the T's drop preasure and flow, I have mine set up the same way.
Bob