Mag-Drive Question

[flboyinohio]

How do i know what size mag-drive pump 2 get? I wanted to have a 36 inch high stand but I am concerned that I am going to

[hr]
up the GPH from the pump into the tank because I do not know how much water flows from the gravity fed "exit" bulkhead, into my sock filter.

 

[al mc]

Need more info before advice can be given.
Is this a reef ready tank?
How many overflows/returns do you have? Gallons they are rated for? If you do not know what is the size and make of the tank...someone will know the return capability if they have a similar tank....

 

[flboyinohio]

Sorry about that,
The tank is a custom acrylic 24"x19"13 "square" with an trazepiod shaped overflow in the middle of the tank with one return and exit bulkheads at the bottom of the tank.
I have no idea what it is rated for but isnt that determined by the width of the bulk heads?

 

[al mc]

Based on your measurements you have about 25 gallons in your tank. In most reef tanks you want to turn the water over a minimum of 10x per hour..and up to 40x per hour. With your 3 foot high stand and approximately 1 foot high tank you need to lift your water about 4 feet.
Ratings for Mag pumps at four feet of head pressure
Mag 5: 310gallons/hr
7: 480
9.5: 800
personally I would go with the Mag 7 and put either a ball valve in the return line so that you can control the flow if it is too much OR a ball valve and a 'T'
piece of pipe in the return line that redirects excess flow back into the sump/refugium.