Is my return pump tooooo powerful for my tank?

[zoechance]

Hi All, Have not posted in a while so Happy New Year
I am a noobie so sorry if bland question...
My tank will be a mixed reef (just added water and sand yesterday)! A bit of an awkward situation cause the person helping me set up tank used a Sicce Syncra 5.0. I think this is too much flow and would love opinions!
my tank plus sump about 104 gallons height from the pump base to the return nozzles is approx 49 inches. There are 2 return nozzles; each at opposite sides of the center overflow box.
don't know the diameter of the tubing from the pump, sorry.... the tubing is plastic (used PVC for the overflow to pump)
here is a link to the specs for the 5.0 on marine depot.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Sicce_Sy...arium_Pumps-Sicce_USA-XJ1131-FIWPSBUF-vi.html

it just seems overwhelming flow and water evaporates very quickly
what do you think?
BTW my in tank flow will be with 2 x MP40s so go that covered!!
thanks
Barbara

 

[SchnitzelReef]

So with head loss, about 1000gph. I don't think it's too big. You can always put a ball valve on after the pump and slow it down a bit.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[brizhound]

+1, it's better to have too much as apposed to not enough a ball valve would dial it down if you need to. Does the sand stay on the bottom on the tank?

So with head loss, about 1000gph. I don't think it's too big. You can always put a ball valve on after the pump and slow it down a bit.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[zoechance]

thank you for your replies! I feel better and will ask for a ball valve so the flow doesn't seem overwhelming. The sand is staying down now after the initial sand storm from setting things up!
many thanks

 

[ERIC1975]

I think that pump is just about right for your tank size...also remember in the summer when you hook up your chiller the flow will also be reduced further more. Adding a chiller is like adding 4-5 ft of head pressure!
As for water evapartion, if your tank is a rimless with no lid water will evaporate quickly. I lose about 3/4 gal a day on my 50 gal open top. On my 180 gal tank with cover I barely lose 1/4 gal a day!

 

[jesuses]

Another idea could be splitting up the two returns if possible, like if your using loc line. I think this would reduce the flow a bit on each line and would give you more outlets to point at stuff

 

[El Dude]

Gate valve and a SCWD FTW.

 

[jesuses]

Scwd for sure. I have one and love it. I have an mp10 to create waves but the scwd is a nice extra for more random flow. Put that extra flow to good use though with a chiller or some reactors

 

[zoechance]

Thanks again for all your replies! I am getting used to the flow now. my tank is cycling nicely and I will send some pics shortly.

 

[babyjess210]

Are you running the pump inside the sump?? If so you can adjust flow on the front cover like the Tunze pumps

 

[zoechance]

Hi babyjess210
yes I did adjust the flow in the pump as it is sitting in the sump. thanks!