View Full Version : Return Pump
cobra2326
10/08/2008, 07:38 AM
I just wanted to get some opinions on quality return pumps before I go and buy one. I recently purchased an eshopps overflow for my 55g and am now running a 10g sump with a maxi-jet 1200 for the return pump until I can get a better one.
First off, the overflow is rated for 300gph, which sounds a bit low considering it has a 1" bulkhead. Does anyone have experience with eshopps overflows and flow rate? (This one is a PF-300).
Second, can anyone recommend a return pump? Head height is about 44". I've been looking at the mag-drives (3 or 5) and the maxi-jet utility pumps.
Last, is 300gph sufficient for a 55g system. That only works out to about 6X flow in the sump. (I have another 17X in the tank). My biggest concern is achieving a good amount of water volume for the sock and skimmer.
TIA.
AZDesertRat
10/08/2008, 07:59 AM
300 GPH is probably too much for a 10G sump. Your total water volume in the sump is only going to be like 6 or 7 gallons once you leave room for backflow in a power outage and thats when fully topped off, when the level drops a bit after a day or two it will be less. The velocity will be tremendous and you will have microbubble problems.
I would look at a larger sump or stick to less than 200 GPD on the return including headloss.
sjm817
10/08/2008, 08:03 AM
It will be a tough balance. You have a 300 GPH Eshoppes U-Tube overflow, and a small sump. You need to have at least (?) 200 GPH going through the overflow to keep the U Tube from accumulating bubbles. What is the U Tube diameter? You will have a fine line between too much and not enough flow. I would get a pump that can do ~ 300 GPH @ the head you are running, and use a valve on the output to adjust to what you need.
cobra2326
10/08/2008, 08:07 AM
The U-Tube is 1", but I am currently using a 3/4" braided acrylic line instead. No problems with bubbles yet. There is a calculation on Advanced Aquarist saying that a MJ-1200 puts out 150gph @ 48" head.
kaskiles
10/08/2008, 08:11 AM
I've noticed all the recirculating skimmers are saying to run 1.5 times the tank volume through them. So 300 gph should be more than enough to feed a recirculating skimmer rated for that tank (Octopus DNW110).
Not sure about the return pump; Eheim 1260 might be too big and 1250 seems too small at a 5 ft head...
sjm817
10/08/2008, 08:30 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13506534#post13506534 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cobra2326
The U-Tube is 1", but I am currently using a 3/4" braided acrylic line instead. No problems with bubbles yet. There is a calculation on Advanced Aquarist saying that a MJ-1200 puts out 150gph @ 48" head.
Just so I'm clear, you made a 3/4" U Tube for it instead? Good move as it will require a slower GPH. Honestly if the MJ1200 is doing it for you, I would leave it alone. You may be able to get some flow flow from it if you increase the return plumbing diameter. What is it now?
cobra2326
10/08/2008, 08:32 AM
Correct, I'm using flexible reinforced acrylic tubing for the U-tube.
The return tubing is currently 1/2" I believe.
sjm817
10/08/2008, 08:34 AM
You could try bumping that up to 5/8 or 3/4" and see how it goes. If you want bigger pump, an Eheim 1250 would work well.
cobra2326
10/08/2008, 08:36 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13506559#post13506559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kaskiles
I've noticed all the recirculating skimmers are saying to run 1.5 times the tank volume through them. So 300 gph should be more than enough to feed a recirculating skimmer rated for that tank (Octopus DNW110).
Not sure about the return pump; Eheim 1260 might be too big and 1250 seems too small at a 5 ft head...
Right now I have a terrible skimmer. I'm ashamed to mention it's name. I'm thinking about the Octopus NW150 in the near future.
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