GPH pump recommendation for a 300 gallon reef

[LivingSeas]

So I am starting to buy everything for a 300 reef tank. 72x36x27
It will have a 125 gallon sump. The tank is a marineland 300 deep
with 2 rear corner overflows. I believe the pipes are 1 1/4"

I've seen some say they can get 600 to 1600 gph depending on what they do.

What would be a good flow rate for a mixed reef for this tank? The returns will be used for
surface water movement mainly. I plan on a couple MP40s or Tunze's.

I am trying to figure out what GPH pump I need for my return.

Do people like the PanWorld Pumps? Whats a good brand that has an
in sump pump?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Hawkeye]

so you're only looking for in-sump return pumps? was going to suggest reeflo for a return but i don't think they make in-sump pumps.

you want a pump that will not exceed the maximum flow from your bulkheads in the return. 600 would be almost a trickle...I think each of your overflows would handle at least 600 gph, i'd go at least 1400 gph.

Will your skimmer be tied to this pump also - if so you'll have to factor that in.

Also how far is the sump from the tank - you said it was the basement - that will impact the gph rating of the pump.

 

[LivingSeas]

I'm looking at both but an in sump is just easier..

The skimmer will have its own pump. Looking at a reef octopus 5000 in-sump.

The pump will be right under the DT in the stand.

I was looking at the reeflo. They seem like nice pumps. I like they have adjustable flow rates. Not that I would use it much but
its helpful for setting things up initially.

 

[Hawkeye]

you can't go wrong with the economy and production of a danner mag pump. The one downside I have with that pump is that it does emit/produce some heat in the tank.

 

[adesimone1]

On my 180 reef I used a reeflow Marlin pump and it is a pressure pump to 45 feet, the next is a hammerhead but that pumps about 4500 to 5000 gallons an hour. The Marlin pumps about 2200 gallons an hour look into the gold series pumps they are great.

 

[ds4x4]

On my 180 reef I used a reeflow Marlin pump and it is a pressure pump to 45 feet, the next is a hammerhead but that pumps about 4500 to 5000 gallons an hour. The Marlin pumps about 2200 gallons an hour look into the gold series pumps they are great.

ditto, i used the same pump on my 220 with the sump next to the stand and plenty of flow to spare for other things. also used it in my old basement to pump my 120 that was on the first floor also no problems

 

[downbeach]

I use two Mag 9.5's for my system, and calculate after head loss, that I'm getting about 1500 GPH through the two overflow bulkheads. Eheim 1262's would be a good consideration too. Since you have to heat the water anyway, the only time heat would be a consideration would be if you had to start using a chiller.

 

[reeferwanabe]

the waterblaster pumps are awsome for an insump pump rated from 500 to 4100 gph same pump as the bubbleblaster only its made to push water reliable and effecient I use them on all my tanks.

 

[mfisher2112]

If you are putting a fuge in your sump, you only want your return pump to be rated to handle the return of water through the DT's overflows. Your flow through your refugium should be slow and steady.

Unless you are also hooking up a closed loop, you will handle the rest of your DT flow with supplemental powerheads. If you rush too much water too fast through your sump, you will defeat the purpose of the refugium, and also affect your skimmers efficiency as well.

So figure out what your overflows are rated at, and I'd say set the goal of your return pump to be just a little over that, and then install a good ball valve after the return pump so you can dial in the return flow.