water pump cycle time

[pmauro]

How often should a pump completely cycle the water in your tank? once per hour? twice per hour?

 

[10k]

I assume you are refering to a return pump from a sump, and not a powerhead in the tank itself. My return pump turns my tank volume over ten times in one hour. I get a good turnover rate, plus added tank circulation and surface aggitation. Just my .02

 

[pmauro]

Thanks that's exactly what I wanted to know, I will be setting up my tank in the spring and I want to start getting some of the aux equipment now alittle at a time. How much would be too much turnover? I will have a 270 gal setup and if I understood you correctly I should be movinb approx 2500 gph for good flow through the entire system sump, filters etc.

 

[10k]

Man that's a big tank...I'm jealous...You looking to adopt?
Yeah that sounds good to me. I wouldn't go much more, it'll look like a whirlpool if you do. I would go with several returns, to spread that pressure out some, or else you'll be pressure washing everything!