Is WB5000 overkill for my system?

[rovster]

Hi, I was hoping to get some brand specific advice here. I'm getting ready to put everything together on my build and I'm having doubts about my return pump. I posted on the other forums, and I got some good, but vague advice.

Basically, I want to know if a WB5000 is overkill as a return pump for my system. Here are some stats. DT is just over 100 gal. (Intank flow will be 2 MP40s, so I don't need too much from return, just sump turnover). Sump is a 40BR with XP2000, and about a 12gal fuge. Return chamber is 9 gal, and is 8 inches deep.

I want to run a Manifold off the return to feed the fuge, and run 2 or 3 reactors (GFO, GAC, and possible BP or KalK in the future).

Right now I have a brand new Eheim 1262 I was PLANNING on using, but some think its too wimpy. I was looking at the WB5000 as a nice step up, but am worried its just too much pump. The WB3000 is nice, but its not much more than the 1262 I have, so that wouldn't be much help. The distance from the return to the top of the tank is approximately 44".

Hoping someone from Coral Vue or someone running this pump could give me some input. Thanks in advance!

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

I think the 5000 would be a good fit. After almost 4ft of head preassure you are looking at around 650GPH give or take. And for a turn over rate of 4.5-5x your system you would be looking at 450-500gph returning to your tank leaving 150-200GPH + to feed your reactors.

[rovster]

Thanks! Should I run 1" or 1.25" pipe for the return? When you put it that way, sounds like a perfect fit. I don't know why I thought it was total overkill.

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

You will be fine with 1" pipe.

[rovster]

OK, ordered the WB 5000. Quick question, what is the minimum operating height/depth? The return chamber in my sump is approximately 11.5 gallons and is at a height of just over 8 inches (baffle is 9"). I want to get an idea of how much water I have to work with. I estimate a gallon or just over/day of evaporation, but I do have a Tunze ATO. Thanks! Looking forward to hooking up this beast!

[rovster]

Here is the sump its going in. You can see its right next to an XP2000 Based on the dimensions, its slightly bigger than the Ehiem, but also more powerful and efficient, yay for me!

I bit the bullet and sold the Eheim on here and just took the loss. I don't want to start out with a problem.

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

Your going to have a setup for some killer filtration there. Do you plan to use filter socks on your drain lines?

[rovster]

Yeah. I plan on a filter sock holder for the main drain (plan on a Herbie) and Macro in the fuge. I will be running GFO and Carbon fed off the return, and using a balling method for supplementation.

So, you didn't really answer my question though

Thanks!

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

7" min or so I would say. The manufacturer recommends fit at least 1" of water covering the top of the pump.

[rovster]

Damn, I'm cutting it close then. Do you think this will be a problem? Baffle height is 9", so water level will be 8"+. Looks like I have 2 gallons before I run into trouble. Holy crap

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

2gallons is fin if you have a auto top off.