Eheim 1250 or 1260?

[Djturna4thakidz]

I am currently setting up a 50 gallon SCA cube. I have a 20 gallon sump and I am going to run a herbie overflow with 3/4" drain. My protein skimmer can handle 200-300 gph. My question is will the Eheim 1250 (~200 gph at 4' head) be enough flow for the siphon and protein skimmer or should I step it up to the 1260?

[Jade5051]

If you are trying to run the return line and skimmer off the same pump you'll need a larger pump. I'm assuming your skimmer is in the sump and you will be dumping 200-300 gph off on it @0ft. So, in order to make it up to the main tank you need a lot more pressure. At least a 1260 and based on looking at this chart I'd say you need a 1262.

[Djturna4thakidz]

The protein skimmer has its own pump. Does that make a difference?

[Djturna4thakidz]

Don't you think 900 gph is too much flow? Not giving the water enough contact time in the sump?

[Crusinjimbo]

I use a 1260 on a similar system using two outlets in a 60g tank with 5' of vertical head (not including fitting loss) and my 3/4" Herbie drain runs about 85% open and, of course, dead silent. I understand you can upgrade the 1260 to a 1262 via impeller change. Think I read that somewhere here.

[billdogg]

I would go with a 1260 or 1262 also. They are exactly the same just different volutes. Either can be dialed back using a inline valve without issue if there happens to be too much flow.

[Djturna4thakidz]

Thanks so much!