Flow?

[drillsar]

Im redoing my tank and Im trying to figure out the best way:

Right now I have a Mag 7 for return and 2 powerheads, 1 Hagen and other Maxi Jet 1200.

I was thinking of doing this, Get a mag 9.5, SCWD and replace the powerheads with SCWD.

Im using a Lifereef Overflow 600GPH, Im guessing I might have to put a T and ball valve to this to release some pressure.

If I go this way Im thinking I will use 3/4" pipe then after SCWD use 1" pipe.

Whats the best way here, Thanks

[P.Kelly]

Sounds like you got it.

[drillsar]

Would the mag 9.5 be sufficient? Would I only do 2 Exits or 3? Advice for plumbing please. I heard the mag 9.5 may make the water warm. Thanks

[P.Kelly]

You're limited by your overflow at 600gph. You need to understand what the flow of your pump is at the height it will pump. This needs to be less than 600gph, or you have to add a valve and reduce the flow, otherwise you will pump more water into your tank than you can can return into your sump, you will flood all the water in your sump over the rim of your aquarium and onto the floor.

Yes, mags are noisy and run warm, but they can be found cheaper than better pumps, like eheims.

For example, if your stand is in the normal range of 24-30" tall and your tank is in the normal range of 24-29" tall then you have an approx. "head" height of 4'6". If you look at the chart for mag pumps, you see that the gph for a Mag 7 at 4.5' is 450gph and the gph for a mag 9.5 at the same height is 775. You will need to plan on adding a valve after the mag 9.5 to adjust the flow.

A sump and return pump are not generally designed to create high flow in large tanks. If you're looking to replace your powerheads with a more powerful return pump then you will need to plan on adding another Overflow and bumping up to a mag 12 or comparable pump.

[drillsar]

Wouldnt a MAg 12 be to much, Now im confused. I understand Head loss, With a SCWD you will lose I heard about 15% loss, I was told you should always have a ball valve on pump.

[P.Kelly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11514532#post11514532 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by petes97
A sump and return pump are not generally designed to create high flow in large tanks. If you're looking to replace your powerheads with a more powerful return pump then you will need to plan on adding another Overflow and bumping up to a mag 12 or comparable pump.

You are limited to 600gph of flow if you take your powerheads out. Not a very effective replacement. Do you want more than 600gph flow and no powerheads? If so, read my post above.

[P.Kelly]

http://www.3iqventures.com/literature.html

10% claimed head loss at 400gph or higher.

[mg426]

I for one dont buy into that graph. I have used SCWDS for a couple of years. IMO if used with a Mag 9.5 they will reduce flow by 50 % at 4 ft of head .

[bertoni]

I wouldn't target more than about 150-200 gph through the sump for a 55g tank. Stronger powerheads are cheaper and quieter over the long haul.

I'd also limit the 600 gph overflow to 300 gph no matter how large the tank, to give some safety room for partial blockage.