Return Powerhead

[drewtah]

Hi.
I'm setting up a sump and I'm trying to pick a powerhead. My tank is 10 Gal and my sump is 10 Gal. The pump will have to push water vertically for about 3 feet. My show tank has an overflow so I can handle just about anything. Can anyone suggest a brand and a flow rate? Will 300GPH be fine? Thanks.

[xtrstangx]

Are you going for a softie tank? A SPS tank? I would use maybe a Mag 5 to a Y-split Loc-line and that should be most of your flow needs.

[drewtah]

I hope to keep a full range.
I understand how the y-slit works but what do you mean by a loc-line?
Also, is there anything that can rotate the heads in the tanks for more variable flow?

[xtrstangx]

This is Loc-line. It is a modular tubing so you can connect it all and take it apart. It works really well, although its a little bit expensive.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plumbing_parts_fittings_loc_line_flexible_ball_socket_return_u-tube.asp

You can rotate these whichever way you want.

[drewtah]

Is there some sort of motor that can rotate the intake I create? Everything I've found is a pump with a rotating head. I'm looking for something just to rotate it.

[Agu]

An LFS I visit uses these,

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11363&N=2004+113782

However the rotation comes at the cost of flow. I've never used one . However my ten over ten sump is similar to your setup. A Maxijet 1200 (300gph) is good flow for LPS with an additional flow source in the tank. With one return I'd guess you'd need at least 500 gph not adjusting for head pressure, for two probably closer to 700 gph.


jmo,