Return pump

[ILikeFish]

I am just setting up my first large (relative term) reef tank. I had smaller (20 gal) salt tank before. I plan on having a medium to heavy stocked mixed reef.

My tank tank is a 140 Oceanic with double overflows and returns. Any suggestions on return pumps. I don't need the pump for general flow in the tank. I will set up some Tunze for that.

I was thinking the Dart would be good choice but don't know if that much flow is need through the sump (55 gal).

No skimmer ect yet...

1. How much flow do I need?
2. What is the best pump for this application?

Thank!

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Maybe a Eheim1262 or a Mag8.

 

[ILikeFish]

Thanks. Would a Dart be overkill?

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Never used one so don't know.

 

[Bob 1000]

Use the drains and the returns as drains and have the returns come up and over the back of the tank.. A Dart is too much power for 2 1in drains..

 

[pecan2phat]

I used a Dart on my 120g when it was setup in LI. It was branched through my chiller so the flow was reduced because of the head pressure of the chiller. Even with the chiller restriction, I estimated roughly 1500 gph going back into the tank via two 3/4" seaswirls. It definitely made for a "hi flow" sump. You would need socks and a good amount of baffles to eliminate micro-bubbles with a "hi flow" sump return.

 

[aaron]

Is the noise from the pumps an issue?
If so I would look at some of the Ehiems, I found them to be the quietest and most reliable pumps I have ever used, and they didnt heat up the water too much.
Also are you looking for a high or low turnover in the sump?
If you dont need the pump for flow in the tank maybe you should think about a low turnover sump with a refugium. Its hard to know what to suggest without knowing more about you setup.

 

[mray]

I would go with a submersible pump. They are more efficient (flow/watt) and can transfer the heat they generate into your water so your heater turns on less often.

 

[masterswimmer]

The Dart is definitely a high flow, super efficient pump. If you build a manifold to power your return, chiller, calcium reactor, phosban reactor, carbon reactor, fuge, etc. then the Dart might be ok. Otherwise, if you only use the Dart for the return, the overflows will not be able to handle the amount of water being pushed through them.

I like the Dart, a lot. Certain applications need to be modified (as I stated above) in order to make it work.

Russ

 

[ILikeFish]

Thanks to all for the comments. I like the idea of using a dart and building a manifold. I can just route the water back to the sump until I get a chiller - cal reactor.

Any suggestions on plumbing for that? Pipe diameter or design?

 

[pecan2phat]

If your using a Dart, you will need to drill your 55g sump for a 2" bulkhead for the Dart intake. I would then make a 1.5" manifold for the output but vary your outlet sizes from the manifold. ie: 1/2", 3/4" 1"

 

[masterswimmer]

If your using a Dart, you will need to drill your 55g sump for a 2" bulkhead for the Dart intake. I would then make a 1.5" manifold for the output but vary your outlet sizes from the manifold. ie: 1/2", 3/4" 1"

Excellent advice.
+1