Sizing return pump (s)

[geehh]

Let the spending begin.....
I've a Tenecor 170 gal bowfront tank on order and I'm now in acquisition mode for the other equipment I'll need. I'm intending to start with a FOWLR tank, but set it up to support a reef if (when?) I decide to move in that direction.
I plan on a sump/fuge, skimmer, etc. Once the tank arrives and I build the stand I'll know how big a sump will fit and whether I use an aquarium or build my own, etc.
I'm open to opinions on brands, etc, and I've been lurking here for a while gathering opinions and making notes. And I'll have questions as each decision comes up (you've been warned!).
My immediate question concerns sizing the return pump or pumps--Tenecor can't tell me the flow capacity of the tank because I only bought a show tank with pre-filter and not their marine ready option.
I do know that they use two Iwaki 20RLXT pumps (total of 1080 gph) with their marine ready tanks which include a wet dry filter. I'll be using a sump, but can I use that info to size the return pump? And are two pumps better than one...i.e. how likely is a pump to fail?
Oh...and I used to have a 30 gal marine aquarium back when wet/dry filters were brand new technology...so while not a total noob, I've got a lot of catching up to do!
Thanks in advance for all the help you'll be giving me! :hilarious

 

[acrylic51]

What size is your overflow your working with, and bulkhead size would help alittle......Also what type of head pressure are we looking at that the proposed pump would have to pump

 

[ejensen]

I have a Pan World 100x and it is not like a submersable pump. They do make some noise. At first I thought it was the loudest pump in the world. After a few days I either got use to the sound or it just needed to break in. Not loud any more. I would never use two pumps. That would make too much noise. Just get a large enough pump and T if off.

 

[joe 09]

i have a 175 gal bow and use a dolphin 2000.it is an external pump,uses 200 watts.you want 10 to 15x turn over flow.it is very quiet.good luck.

 

[geehh]

The tank has an 18x5 trapezoid overflow in the center with dual 1" drains and dual 3/4" inlets. The tank will sit on a 36" or so stand so the total head would be about 5'. The commander-in-chief is concerned about noise so I'll be looking to keep it as quiet as I can.

 

[acrylic51]

At times 2 pumps are better than 1 larger pump for several reasons, but that's another topic.......I think safely your overflows should handle 1200gph.... meaning you need to start looking at pumps that would give you that kind of flow @5' of head........Noise is an issue alot with external pumps......I'm an external pump fan, but that can be a draw back to them.....I don't care for submersibles, because I can't get the flow I need out of them and they add plenty of heat back to tank water which is really unneeded IMO......I've run Little Giant, Iwaki, BlueLine and PanWorld, and all are noisey IMO.....BlueLine being the worst IMO.....I prefer Sequence which is more dependable out of the ones I've listed, customer service is top notch, and flow and energy is very good IMO for the flow you'll get from these units.....You might want to look at the Sequence Snapper......
You can also insulate somewhat to cut down on the noise....You could install a foam pad under the pump to reduce vibration and flex pvc will also cut down on some noise as well.