Help On Return Pump

[reef keeper]

im thinking my return pump is too small. I have a 6 ft tank. Lines are all 1". I have 4 90s total in a split return line feeding 2 returns - one in each corner. I use a side 4 pump with is good for 950 gph. Problem is the returns barely move the water in the middle of the tank.

Advice? I was thinking of a mag 18 or 24?

I don't have an option on an external pump.

 

[TORX]

I will always vote jebao. Great dc12000 is a great controllable pump.

 

[scubasteve]

i ran a drenner 1200 classic on my 125 with a split to dual returns pointing from centre out to either side and blew water like a champ created a strong surface current

 

[reefgeek]

go with a dc return, you will be amazed at how much things quiet down. As for turnover it really depends on your setup, the flow rate in the sump does not need to be nearly as extreme as the display. The new riptide gyre is earning it's place in my display and is the only circulation pump in the display aside from the return. You can check out my review in my build thread if you haven't already.

 

[reef keeper]

The gyre is too long to put on horizontally in my tank. Have you tried it vertically? My flow through is maybe MAYBE 300-400 gph using the sicce 4.0

 

[theyangman]

Your question seems confusing. Are you looking to get better water flow in your tank? Or are you trying to simply increase the turn over from your sump to display? (I suppose you can accomplish both to a degree with a stronger return pump, but what is your main goal?)

That being said, I am assuming the sump is right below the tank? If so you won't need a mag 24. That is overkill, The mag 18 pumps out 1500 gph, and is a solid increase over the sicce syncra 4.0. If you want to eliminate dead spots in the middle of the tank though, you are going to want to look at adding something for more water flow like a wavebox or powerheads.

 

[reef keeper]

I'm looking for more flow in the tank. I have 2 mp40s I run at 80% on reef crest in anti sync. There's a dead spot at the surface in the middle. I just think my return is underpowered

 

[theyangman]

If all you are concerned about is some surface aggitation in the middle why not just add a cheap powerhead in the middle of the tank pointed upwards to break the surface up a little.

 

[dale]

water blaster and jaebo dc pumps are popular, efficient and powerful, mag pumps are dependable but not very efficient, i would think you need something around 1200gph , then it would be around 950gph by the time it gets to your tank...

 

[dale]

i drilled a couple holes in my return just under the water line and it works great for surface agitation, and it draws air and breaks the siphon when power goes out to avoid overflow in the sump

 

[TORX]

Returns are only used to regulate the flow through the sump and system and should not be used for water movement. Get some circulation pumps to move the water as noted above. You do have 2 MP40's, which should be more then enough flow around the tank. But no problem to add a small circ pump to cover a dead spot. Now that has been said...

Personally...surface agitation is a fresh water tank issue. Surface agitation allows the water and air to undergo a natural exchange of gases. We use surface skimmers aka overflow boxes that removes that layer already. We also use skimmers...which adds more oxygen to the system then any airstone I have ever seen running.

 

[reef keeper]

Everything is doing amazing in the tank so I suppose if it ain't broke.....

 

[dale]

i find if i dont move my surface water around , i get surface scum dead spots.. but ya,, its not necessary

 

[reef keeper]

Bought a gyre today lol. Let's see what happens

 

[theyangman]

get the rubber feet, otherwise it makes noise like a vibrating cell phone constantly.

 

[reef keeper]

It doesn't. It's dead quiet. Separate thread coming