Return flow rate?

toughguy80

toughguy80

Member
Hi all,
I was gonna post this in the DIY section but more people will see this so please bear with me:D I have a 500GPH overflow that'll run from my 110G to my 29G fuge. What type of return GPH number should I look for in a pump? I'm thinking between 600-800GPH because of the flow lost in the 4' return back to the main tank. Anyone have a solid number that they use/recommend? Thanks:happyfish
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member
You are in the "ballpark" with your pump choice...
I'm thinking like a Mag 7 which will give you 400 to 480 gph depending on line size, elbows,valves,outlets,etc..
A Mag 9.5 would probably be a bit much for you overflow to handle.
Can you post specific numbers for height from sump to top of tank, as well as horizontal run to get there, what size line you plan on running, number of 90 deg and 45 deg elbows to get to outlet, number of outlets/Ts/drilled spraybar,ball valves if used,and quick disconects...
And which "Brand" of pump you would like to use...Then I can get you a closer output number and model to use..
 
toughguy80

toughguy80

Member
Distance from top of tank to fuge will be about 4 feet total. It's going to be a verticle climb because I'm going to put the fuge in the stand for my 110G so that's why I was thinking to have the extra power, to overcome the force of gravity to get the water up that distance. I've pretty much got it positioned so the the return line will be a straight line till it gets to the top, then I'll have to put bends in to get it back into the main tank of coarse. I wasn't planning on any spray bars, disconnects, etc. I think I'm just going to use flexible tubing. As for the size of the tubing, that's pretty flexible. I think I'll go with something smaller in size to increase the psi. To be honest I don't know a lot about plumbing. Any suggestions, pics, diagrams of your set up would be great. I've found a few using the search button but they were all more complicated than I'd like to get. Basically (if possible) I just want a line running down to the fuge and pump with return line to shoot it back up. Like I said, I don't know much about plumbing and not sure if it can be that simple. Thanks for the reply squidd:)
 
toughguy80

toughguy80

Member
Also, I thought you wanted the return flow to be a little higher than the overflow? Or do I have that backwards? As for the type of pump, I'm not picky. I would like to keep it under $100 though. I looked through some and they can get expensive!!!:scared:
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member
Actually, the overflow should be rated for a higher return to sump than the Return Pump can "Pump" back into the tank...
The Return Pump can have a higher "rating" on it, but with Head Loss and restrictions, not all the water will make it to the tank...
Example: On the above tank 4' verticle from sump to top of tank and TWO 90 deg elbows to get water into tank...
Mag 7 with 3/4" line...418 gph to tank @ 2.24 psi
Mag 7 with 1" line...455 gph to tank @ 1.93 psi
Rio 2500 HP 3/4" line...439 gph to tank @ 2.28 psi
Rio 2500 HP 1" line...501 gph to tank @1.97 psi
The first 3 would be returning GPH at "under" the rating of the overflow (500 gph) and would be good choices for your system...
>Except the RIO, cause their junk anyway :D <
HTH
 
toughguy80

toughguy80

Member
LoL, I've heard that about the RIO's. Thanks for all the help, I'll keep ya posted on how it turns out. :yes:
 
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