Which sump return pump?
 

Went on a little spending spree on setting up a sump. Trying to figure out which pump I'm going to need to use as a return.

I'm going to lay my sump out similar to this: (bought that)
[url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBTOX:IT&item=350008706573&_trksid=p3984.cTODAY.m238.lVI]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBTOX:IT&item=350008706573&_trksid=p3984.cTODAY.m238.lVI[/URL]

So it'll be Lifereef overflow box down to that ^, then up from that (about 4' from bottom of sump to top of tank), into a SCWD, then to 2 U Tube returns.

One thing I'm wondering, is it ok if I have 1" tubing coming into the sump then 3/4" back to the tank? The SCWD uses 3/4" so one of my questions.

Any other tips? how much room to leave in the skimmer area or anything else?

The Sump is a 20L also

Well depends on what GPH the overflow box kicks but for that sump a Mag Drive 5 (pumps 500 GPH) is enough.

I would use a Mag 5, and I have 1" pvc running into the sump and 5/8" for my return line.

anyone else have opinions?

mag 7

They recommend to double the output size, What size tank? you also have to figure out head loss, theres a good calculator for this somewhere. The Mag 5 and Mag 7 both have 1/2" so I would use at least 1" pipe, People dont understand that you will have more loss with smaller pipe.

Im going to perhaps change to a Mag 9.5, so I might be selling my Mag 7, I figured out that I will have much beneficial benefit for my tank perhaps going with the 9.5 and use a ball valve to release some pressure. It depends on the size of your main tank you should have 10 times the size of your tank for flow, so with a 55GAL you should have at least 550gph but remember most Overflows will only take 600GPH unless you get a double

My main tank is a 75, going to be using a Lifereef overflow, so that's gonna give me 600 gph to a 20L sump. Now the reason why I was considering using 3/4" on my return was for the SCWD, trying to maximize flow in the tank. I have 2 Koralia 2's in there right now just keeping it moving while I wait on the rest of my supplies (poor live rock is sitting in a rubbermaid for another day or 2). Figure can get 2 return pipes alternating so I can get some corals going one of these days.

The Lifereef overflow (good choice BTW) can handle 600 GPH or so. The SCWD IME, cuts flow back a lot. Way more than they state. If you are using a SCWD, I would use an Eheim 1262. If you want to use a Mag, use a 9.5 with the SCWD. I would use a larger sump than a 20L. A 30L will normally fit under a 90G.

If you want SCWD then go with a Mag 9.5, Use 3/4" pipe to SCWD then Extend pipe to 1 1/4 or 1"

You should calculate head loss so thats why you should go with a mag 9.5

go with ehiem or ocean runner very efficient quiet and does not produce much heat into the water

The Eheim 1262 will do better than a Mag9.5 against the high head of a SCWD

Yeah but look at the price difference, Eheim is overpriced

That is a matter of opinion. The Eheim will probably last 3 - 4x as long, will have more flow especially with a SCWD, and will be much quieter. It is also easier to service and can be run reliably external without leaking. Its a different class of pump. I think it is well worth the extra $40 or so. That is a drop in the bucket in this hobby.

If you are running a SCWD I would suggest doubling the size of your return pump. I have used SCWDS and they are Flow Killers!

Eheim = German engineering even comming from the UK I can appreciate the increadably high standards they have. Top quality pumps IMO

Im getting one as soon as I move house and re set the tank. As the maxi jet pump I use is terrible.

Regardless of "perceived" value and engineering, from an owner of a number of mags and an eheim 1262, the plastic housing around the impeller on an mag is terrible and subject to easy stress fractures if you over tighten the screws and tends to run hotter than a comparable eheim. In this case I firmly believe that you get what you pay for.

Buy a pump that is a little bigger than you need and turn it down with a ball valve inline.

alright, definitely gonna keep this stuff in mind! thanks for all the info!

I have a couple cracked mag covers too. Although They are fairly cheap to replace, I would get the Ehiem if you got the $$$$

I am using a Quiet One 400, (1" in/out) on a manifold that services other items via ball valves with a SCWD that I drilled out & enlarged the intake & output's of the SCWD. The QO is submerged in the sump & has no problems, I also use a 1" union on the pump for maintainence. The SCWD has better flow now & continues to work well.
I have considered upgrading to a 600 pump & keep the 400 as a spare (Murphys Law)

I also use a QO 400 ona closed loop with another drilled SCWD

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Since this picture I have added a 1" flap check valve below the SCWD on the main return from the sump ( top SCWD in pic)

Wow!!!!!!! Love your plumbing. I think I'll copy it before you patent it. More pictures please.

Thank You, But I must share credit with all the members of RC throughout the year of research I did. A lot of late night reading & contemplating, not to mention a few beer's & Tequila along the way.

Here is a few from about 6 months ago, I did make a few small changes, but everything is working really well & my livestock is thriving & outgrowing the display quickly


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Can you get to the back if you have to service something?

Yes, I have it about 10~12" from the wall, & the stand is braced to the wall for stability.

Wow, wish I had someone around this area to plumb up something like that for me! Impressive for sure.

Trust Me if I can do it so can you!!!

PVC & glue are cheap. Take your time, think it out, think it out again!, & start gluing !!
You will be surprised how good you can get at it !
Read the forums there is a wealth of information in them, & advice
on how to do things.

you can PM me if you have any questions, but the forums are the best for different advice & opinions.

Steve 926

:smokin: