Here's a C&P from the "Plumbing 101" Thread
It should help you determine all the factors you may want to concider when setting up your sump/return/pump sizing...
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Now, the question comes up ..."What size overflow should I get..??"
That depends on how much your pumping to your tank...
"How much should I pump to my tank..?"
That depends on how much fow you want in your tank...
"How much do I want in my tank...?" etc...etc...
"How do I figure all this out...??"
I can help you size it out...I have a "system" for this...
We divide your system into three main components or "phases"...Return pump flow, Closed Loop flow and Sump/fuge sizing...
I'll give you options and you choose the appropriate pieces to combine and complement the whole...Based on what YOU want the end result to be...
As we get to each "phase" you will need to know what your "Goals" are, and then we'll pick and option out the components to reach these goals...
As many of the components for each phase are interdependant on each other for "balance" we will refer back to the "Big Picture" (combined Goals) to be sure they complement each other...
1. What is the "Goal flow"or desired "turn over" for your tank ...I suggest at least 20X up to 30X if you will be keeping SPS...What type of "inhabitants" are you planning on keeping..?
Look up other threads to see what others are running...Can we get it all from the return pump or will you need "supplemental flow devices...
2. What is the "Goal" for supplemental flow from the cloosed loop...Surge or Wave action (side to side) Full linear flow for a "circular" pattern, or Chaotic, Random,Mixing flow...? I suggest the chaotic random "pattern" ... With either a 4 or 8 way flow "switching" device...
3. What is the "Goal" for the Fuge...Malnutrient removal through the export of Macros (Harvesting) ..MN removal through Xenia or other softie...Pod/larvae production for natural feeding of corals, DSB with full compliment of Micro flora and Fauna for denitrification...a cryptic zone with Live Rock for pods and denitrification..?
Some of these can be combined to a point , but a "Goal" needs to be set due to differing sizing, lighting and flow needs...
While we're down there...Do you want to build in a propagation tank to the system..?
Again, As many of the components for each phase are interdependant on each other for "balance" we will refer back to the "Big Picture" (combined Goals) to be sure they complement each other...
So in order to determine flow needs and equipment, I need to know more of what your goals are for the tank...
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https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...88#post1064588
Here's the link to the rest of the thread...
Basicly, you want to determine "Goal Flow" (overall flow) for tank, then determine how much the overflow can handle (which will help in determining pump size) and then come up with a plan to get the rest (closed loop or powerheads).
I believe there's a post on goal flow reccomendations on the second or third page...
