What Size Return Pump?

[aaronnorth]

Hi, I may try my hand at marines, I am just doing some research currently.

I want to know how to calculate what size return pump I would need.

I was looking the other day and found a link to a good website but I can't find it at all now

Also, what size hole should I drill for the bulkhead? It will be a 216l with a 60l sump, using the "Calfo overflow" method.
If you have any pictures of your setup that would be helpful too, as I am not sure I fully understand it.



Thanks, Aaron

 

[Harry1996]

i would get a 2500L per hour one for your return pump. you will lose some of the power on the pump because it is pushing upwards. so you would get about 2000Lph.
my tank has a simple hole near the top of the tank with a 90 elbow on with a bit of pipe on. i will show you a pic soon

 

[ben1987]

Hi aaron

you want roughly 10x your tank volume flowing through your sump per hour. 2500L like harry says wouldnt be a bad guess. pumps head loss vaires on make and model and what pipe work you put it through. Loads of elbows and you lose loads of flow.

Graphs are available for most popular return pumps that show what they lose at what head hight. hve a google round.

As for the hole, are you having one drain or two? two would be better then if one was to get blocked by algae or a rohue snail the second saves you from a flood. Always rill the hole bigger than the bulk head. as the bulk head is bigger than the pipework that goes through it.

 

[aaronnorth]

Thankyou, Im not sure I'll be able to drill it now though because I have just realised the tank will be further away from the wall and it is next to a door which only just misses it by about 1cm now.
Unless I drill the bottom.

Thanks, Aaron

 

[Harry1996]

what tank are you thing of getting? because i have read that the juwel tanks can and will crack after drilling the bottom of them when fall of water lots of people do it and are fine but there are cases

 

[aaronnorth]

It is a clearseal.
I meant to ask if you know if this is tempered glass or not?

 

[Harry1996]

you should be fine then but i would double check

 

[aaronnorth]

you should be fine then but i would double check

Thankyou.

 

[ben1987]

clearseal should be ok. Drill the bottom and go for Durso. You want a sump trust me. i hate seeing loads of equipment.