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View Full Version : Return pump size for 55 gal reef tank w/sump


nateman20
03/08/2015, 02:18 PM
I am starting a 55 gal reef tank with an aqueon sump. My question - what size return pump do I need for my tank. From the sump up to the display is about 3.5 ft. And exactly what is GPH - what size do I need for my tank. I am planing on having corals/anemones. I also have a pretty strong circulation pump for the display. Thanks!!

delor-02
03/08/2015, 03:32 PM
Do you just have a sump (equipment only) or do you have a sump/fuge? A refugium will want lower flow through it. Also depends on the size of the piping to the sump. A smaller pipe won't be able to handle a large volume.

SnoopyDaPimp
03/08/2015, 03:59 PM
I would think that a mag 7 would be sufficient for the return.

smmiller506
03/08/2015, 04:00 PM
The rating of the pump is usually 5-10x the display tank volume, or 275-550 gallons per hour. A larger pump may be used if some of the pump output flow is diverted to reactors or a refugium.

nateman20
03/08/2015, 04:09 PM
I am planing on having a refugium in the sump - and the piping from the sump is 3/4" black flexible tubing with two output nozzles at the top of the display.
I am just worried that I will purchase a pump (mag 7) and it will be too strong. Could somebody explain what the ideal gph is for the tank size? Thanks!

mandarin_goby
03/08/2015, 04:58 PM
I have a Mag 7 on my 40b. Just add a ball valve to regulate the flow, mine is dialed back about 20% with no issues.

Ktm898
03/08/2015, 05:19 PM
i have a mag 7 on my 55. i ran one pipe to a tee across the back for dual outputs. works great, My only complaint is noise

mandarin_goby
03/08/2015, 05:38 PM
I agree about the noise, until I propped it so that it doesn't rest on the glass at all, it just kind of floats - I have the tubing pushed away from the side of the sump, so it's very quiet now. I also use flexible tubing...only the tubing touches the tank.

kissman
03/08/2015, 05:55 PM
Mag Drive 7 was to large for my 55g I am using a Mag Drive 3 on have had no problems

nateman20
03/08/2015, 06:50 PM
how exactly did you prop it up/make it float?

nateman20
03/08/2015, 06:51 PM
I agree about the noise, until I propped it so that it doesn't rest on the glass at all, it just kind of floats - I have the tubing pushed away from the side of the sump, so it's very quiet now. I also use flexible tubing...only the tubing touches the tank.

How exactly did you prop it up/ make it float?

kissman
03/08/2015, 06:54 PM
You could use a mouse pad under it to make it quiet. But mine is quiet

mandarin_goby
03/08/2015, 07:10 PM
How exactly did you prop it up/ make it float?

I just had a clamp laying around that i clamped to the side of the sump. It sticks out about an inch into the sump and I make sure that only the tubing that the pump is attached to lays against the clamp. That way, the pump touches nothing, not the sides or the bottom, it's just suspended by the tubing into the water. It makes a huge different in the noise. The tubing is also short enough so that the pump doesn't hit the bottom of the sump.

delor-02
03/08/2015, 08:13 PM
I ran a mag 9.5 into a SCWD and was very pleased with the flow and alternating current. The SCWD kills some of the flow.

thegrun
03/08/2015, 10:12 PM
I run an Eheim 1260 on my 50 gallon tank. The Eheim pump will probably cost you close to double the cost of a Mag pump, but IMHO they are worth every penny. Eheim pumps run much quieter, use less electricity and produce less heat in the tank.

nateman20
03/09/2015, 04:38 PM
I run an Eheim 1260 on my 50 gallon tank. The Eheim pump will probably cost you close to double the cost of a Mag pump, but IMHO they are worth every penny. Eheim pumps run much quieter, use less electricity and produce less heat in the tank.

how powerful was your water flow? mine would be traveling from the sump up to the display for about 3.5 - 4 feet

Reeferz412
03/09/2015, 06:16 PM
Mag 7, i had a mag 7 on my 65 gallon setup. Reliable, cheap to replace parts, lasts forever.