a little help with pump selection for a sump...

[beattyr]

Guys,
I am starting to research for a sump. My tank particulars are....
37gal reef
30"L x 12"W x 18"H
The stand gives me approximately 14"L x 10"W x 10"H to work with for space. That equates to 1400 cu/in which in turn equates to about 6 gal of water.
Any problems with this size of sump for a 37 gal? Its approx 16% of the tank capacity.
If the size of the sump is ok, then my next question is, how big of a pump would I need with this tank/sump and about a 3' height I would need to push the water to?
That being answered, where is a good source for said pump and for a good overflow?
Thanks
Rob

 

[bang guy]

Are you looking for an internal or external pump?
Mag Drive makes good internal Pumps IMO.
I like Iwaki for external but I don't remember their smallest size.

 

[shadow678]

If you are going with internal pump, I would go with a MagDrive MD5. With that head pressure, it would give you a little over 10 times turnover rate. For external, I would suggest an Iwaki WMD-20RLT. At that head pressure, it will give you 450 gph, again a bit over 10 times turnover rate. Granted, the MagDrive will be about half the price, but will take up precious room in your small sump. Something to think about. HTH

 

[guppie]

Mag Drive pumps can be run in the sump and in-line, they are excellent pump for the money. Good Luck

 

[sal t. nutz]

Personally, I would not try to run 450gph through a 6 gal sump. Especially since the sump won't be full, it will hold MAYBE 4 gals of water. Running 450 GPH through 4 gals of water will be VERY noisy. And, if you have any baffles (for things like Bioballs, prefilters, sponges, skimmers) it will splash and maybe even overflow on the input end. I would shoot for around 200 GPH and use a powerhead in the tank for the rest of the water movement.