Question about return pumps

[slumlord]

I'm starting up a 55 gallon cube tank with 20 gallon sump. I was wondering what GPH return pump would be best for this application.

[xiaoyu04]

It depends on what type of overflow box you have, is it drilled or are you using a hob siphon box?

Also, i think some people like to match the flow to their skimmer output. Any other information on your set up?

[spleify]

I assume you are going to have some supplemental flow for in side the display tank. It is a good general rule of thumb to have 3-5 X total volume turn over through the sump.

[Jstdv8]

If you are using a HOb overflow you need to be equal to or less than whatever your overflow can handle.
Don't forget to take into account head loss. this will help you get close

[rayn]

I'm running a 55 with a hob overflow and a rio 2100 return pump. Also have two k3 in the tank. Everything seems well balanced and I don't have to throttle back the return pump at all.

[slumlord]

It's a drilled tank with the over flow in the corner, with a drilled sump. My protein skimmer is going to be a coralife 65g 3300 super skimmer.

To start with since I'm fairly new at saltwater it's going to be a FOWLR, I'll start with corals and stuff after I'm comfortable keeping the fish alive. :)

Here are a few pics of the sump and the tank.

Thanks for the help!

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/7771/20100727163000510.jpg

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7153/20100727162923305.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/320/201007271629086331.jpg

[Drix]

I'd reccomend overkill with an inline ball valve. If you place the ball AFTER the pump you can slow the flow and then have a manipulatable flow rate.

[slumlord]

Both the PVC inlet and return have ball valves on them to control the flow. I'm sure it will take a few days to get the right adjustment so that im flowing enough water into the sump to keep the levels up for the skimmer.

I just don't want to get a 750 GPH pump if I only really need a 250-500 GPH.

[Chris27]

For a 55, I suggest running something that is rated around 700-800 at 0' head. It will give you a good turnover rate, and some extra power for media reactors, refugium or whatever else.

[Percula9]

The bulk head in your sump is backwards. I don't think you will be happy with a coralife skimmer. What kind of external pump are you going to use?

[slumlord]

The bulk head in your sump is backwards. I don't think you will be happy with a coralife skimmer. What kind of external pump are you going to use?

Thinking of buying a little giant 4 off craigslist for $75.