What return pump for new tank?

[LIU Rx]

Hey guys,

Just got a new tank and in the process of purchasing and selecting the equipment. Its a 76 gallon reef ready Oceanic half circle, with it I have the Oceanic overflow kit and an Oceanic Model 1 sump. I plan on having 120 lbs of live sand and 80 lbs of live rock in this FOWLR.

My question is this: How much flow can my overflow handle without being excessively noisy? There are two holes in the bottom that each fit a 1 inch bulkhead, the drain will be 1 inch and the return will be 3/4 inch. There is approximately 4 feet of head. Which mag drive pump would you recommend, the 5 or 7? I wish to stay away from adding anything like a valve to dial down the pump.

If it helps, I plan on getting a Tunze 9010 skimmer and possibly two nanostreams 6045. Would this be enough flow?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

 

[bad coffee]

Brian, welcome to MR!

a 1" bulkhead can handle~600 gph. depending on your sump configuration, you might not want to put that much through it.

I'm a BIG fan of Eheim pumps. Yes, they are twice as much as a Mag, but read the horror stories. How many people have had problems with mag pumps? Lots. How many with Eheims? ZERO. I have never heard a person complain about them. (I've been in the fish hobby since I was 12)

I'd suggest a 1260 or 1262.

Here's some more info:
http://reefs.org/library/pumps/

When looking for a pump, don't forget the wattage used. If a pump can pump 1000 gph, but uses 240 watts, that's not nearly as nice as a 960 gph that uses 20.

And put a union ball valve on the pump. You'll thank me when you go to clean the pump and won't have to worry about backflow.

Also, I'd get 100# or so of dead sand and seed it with another 10-20 pounds of live sand from different sources. That way you'll get more variety in 'goodies'

Last I knew you could get a much better skimmer for the price of a tunze. Unless you're looking for dead quiet, and have an 'in' at tunze, I'd look at other options. There's a skimmer thread here somewhere.

And don't forget to take pics! We're a bunch of pic whores around here.

B

 

[carpediem212]

My Eheim has been running for over 2 yrs of no problem and it is quiet too. I've got the 1262

 

[OctaviousMonk]

Not as good as the ehiem, but I have a quietone 4000HH rated at 980 gph, but IMO definitely less. I also recomend using a ball valve beecause as stated earlier you can close it off for cleaning but also choke back the flow some if needed.

 

[Dj Orion]

Just hooked up a quietone 3000 rated at 780 Gph and so far so good.... It also can be setup wet or dry depending on your sump config.

 

[masterswimmer]

Brian, welcome to MR!

a 1" bulkhead can handle~600 gph. depending on your sump configuration, you might not want to put that much through it.

I'm a BIG fan of Eheim pumps. Yes, they are twice as much as a Mag, but read the horror stories. How many people have had problems with mag pumps? Lots. How many with Eheims? ZERO. I have never heard a person complain about them. (I've been in the fish hobby since I was 12)

I'd suggest a 1260 or 1262.

Here's some more info:
http://reefs.org/library/pumps/

When looking for a pump, don't forget the wattage used. If a pump can pump 1000 gph, but uses 240 watts, that's not nearly as nice as a 960 gph that uses 20.

And put a union ball valve on the pump. You'll thank me when you go to clean the pump and won't have to worry about backflow.

Also, I'd get 100# or so of dead sand and seed it with another 10-20 pounds of live sand from different sources. That way you'll get more variety in 'goodies'

Last I knew you could get a much better skimmer for the price of a tunze. Unless you're looking for dead quiet, and have an 'in' at tunze, I'd look at other options. There's a skimmer thread here somewhere.

And don't forget to take pics! We're a bunch of pic whores around here.

B

Welcome to MR. Nice to see you doing your homework BEFORE encountering issues.

I agree with everything Brett said in this post. Great info from a knowledgeable reefer.

Russ

 

[bigsink]

I have my eheim 1260 on my 75 and I love it. A little pricey, but easily plumbed and VERY quiet.

 

[nsiegel5]

As everyone here is saying go with either an Eheim if you dont mind spending the cash or use a quietone. Both great pumps eheim is better quality and will probably last longer. I use a ball valve to control my flow on both ends the pump and the overflow. It allows you to really control the flow properly and get just what you want out of the system. I have the tunze 6045 as well in my 65 and those things are great by all means purchase them. Most importantly check the wattage usage on all your equipment so you dont overload and you dont spend cash you dont need to. Remember a few extra bucks up front for a pump that uses less electricity will save you big in the long run.

 

[masterswimmer]

I use a ball valve to control my flow on both ends the pump and the overflow. It allows you to really control the flow properly and get just what you want out of the system.

Just a heads up.....you should NEVER restrict the overflow on ANY system. You can completely control your flow from the discharge side of your pump. There is no reason to dial down your overflow. You're asking for a flood at some time in the future. If you doubt this advise, please ask any of the knowledgeable members here or any reef site.

swimmer

 

[LIU Rx]

Sorry for the late reply, just getting back from Balitmore. Thanks to everyone for the replies and information, I think I will go with the ehiem and install a valve of some sort once I figure out how to.

brian