Return pump for my upcoming 180g build (1 Viewer)

[ReefNoob]

Hi,
I have been reading a lot recently of equipment threads across various fora and one thing I can't seem to make up my mind on is the return pump.
My system is a wide 180g ( 3x4 x2) and will include a roughly 40 to 50 sump (trying to make up my mind on the design and manufacturer-Avid Aquatic appears like a good candidate). I will build a Bean animal return with 1.5" lines and ball valves on each to fine tune.

Plan is to run a ReefOctopus 3000 Internal so no need for the skimmer pump;other pressure sinks would be Phosban/Carbon Reactors.

I probably will do mostly LPS and some easy to maintain SPS.

Now,one the best reviewed pump out there for the flow range appears to be the Reeflo Snapper/Dart- but when I chatted with Shah@ Precision Marine,he felt that was too big of a pump for this system.

Any recommendation on whether to go smaller or throttle this one back and/or use it with multiple returns?

I read through the mutiple build threads going these days and can't wait to join the ranks

 

[3CC]

Hi,
I have been reading a lot recently of equipment threads across various fora and one thing I can't seem to make up my mind on is the return pump.
My system is a wide 180g ( 3x4 x2) and will include a roughly 40 to 50 sump (trying to make up my mind on the design and manufacturer-Avid Aquatic appears like a good candidate). I will build a Bean animal return with 1.5" lines and ball valves on each to fine tune.

Plan is to run a ReefOctopus 3000 Internal so no need for the skimmer pump;other pressure sinks would be Phosban/Carbon Reactors.

I probably will do mostly LPS and some easy to maintain SPS.

Now,one the best reviewed pump out there for the flow range appears to be the Reeflo Snapper/Dart- but when I chatted with Shah@ Precision Marine,he felt that was too big of a pump for this system.

Any recommendation on whether to go smaller or throttle this one back and/or use it with multiple returns?

I read through the mutiple build threads going these days and can't wait to join the ranks

If you are in Houston, come check us out. We use reeflo pumps on all our systems and if you want to talk filtration and sumps - we custom build them.

Have you considered running 2 return pumps, how about the blowhole models? If one ever fails, you'll be on **************** creek but at least you will have a paddle. Plus, I honor and back reeflos warranty. So, if I have it on the shelf, I will swap it for shipping costs.

We can also set you up with the skimmer you want.

Cheers
3CC

 

[ReefNoob]

3CC,
I have not been visiting LFS yet as I just moved back to the States last month-but I would gladly check you guys out.
I like your redundancy idea and in fact looked at the blow holes pumps this afternoon-good idea and looking forward to stopping by,probably this WE!

 

[Jasonc]

I'd be more inclined to run the hybrid and throttle back. You'll loose pressure across the manifold if you're running reactors and it'd be nice to be able to add more reactors as you see fit and still have the flow you want going into the tank.

I run an ATB flowstar 1500 internally with 2 reactors and an additional exhaust powering the sump. Even with the manifold i still get plenty of water back into the tank. Great internal pump if you end up going that direction.

On the skimmer side, the 3000 works great. Keep in mind that you are on the lower end of its capabilities so you need to keep your bio-load up or it wont work all that well or intermittently.

 

[ReefNoob]

Jason,
good point too,I would like to keep options open but going with two blowhole could give me that same amount of flow AND redundancy-and issues always happen when I'm travelling-having some failsafe built-in is a must to gain wife acceptance for this larger tank.
With respect to the skimmer,I think I can keep the bio load on higher side,that should be easy as I truly enjoy anemones

 

[Jasonc]

Most people have no problems keeping up the fish load (oddly enough I do)...didnt even consider anemones but that would do it too.

 

[d2mini]

Check out my build thread.
I ended up going with a Reeflo Barracuda Gold (from 3CC), knowing I'd have the beananimal overflow and manifold with reactors, and possibly a chiller.
Brian had also contacted Reeflo directly to confirm which pump would be best for my setup.
My tank is 8x2x2.

Almost went with Brian's idea of two blowholes, but that was after I already had the Barracuda so I stuck with that. Especially with the flow I ended up getting out of the beananimal.

 

[CBBSteve]

Hi, ReefNoob.
I'm a proponent of slower flow through sump/fuge. I'm assuming you're going to set up your sump as a refugium as well. When I first set up my 140, I had a PanWorld PX-100-X rated at 1270 gph and I wasn't happy with that, too noisey and lotsa microbubbles throughout the system. When I changed that out (after 2 years) for an Eheim 1262 rated at 900 gph - same plumbing - I was much happier. It was much quieter and much less microbubbles. And I think the chaeto did better with the lower flow as well.

good luck,
Steve

 

[ReefNoob]

Good comments-thanks.
I'd add that I will setup a beananimal but have three valves below as to be able to fine tune both drain flows-I'm thinking the non-siphon will come in slowly and will be throttled back a bit to accomodate my refugium with a relatively low flow. The siphon drain will be hitting the skimmer section.
I'm actually going with two blow holes( different sizes-1450 and 850 )-each with 3 speeds settings so that I can really fine tune the overall turnover and then split across the sump section with the control valves.

BTW-quick question but I'm thinking my beananimal will be setup in my current internal over flow box with 3 drainholes;any issue with that?
I guess youhave to control the level in the overflow quite high to avoid too much bubble from a high drop or is that not even an issue.
For some reason,all the Beananimals have seen are an outside box drilled on the back windows.

 

[Jasonc]

I'm actually going with two blow holes( different sizes-1450 and 850 )-each with 3 speeds settings so that I can really fine tune the overall turnover and then split across the sump section with the control valves.

That sounds awesome!

BTW-quick question but I'm thinking my beananimal will be setup in my current internal over flow box with 3 drainholes;any issue with that?
I guess youhave to control the level in the overflow quite high to avoid too much bubble from a high drop or is that not even an issue.
For some reason,all the Beananimals have seen are an outside box drilled on the back windows.

No problem at all and is how I do it. I used the aqueon durso (it's adjustable) for my durso portion which is how I control the drop over the overflow. I have my full siphon low, then have the durso set up as high as possible while still having a drop (about an inch or so) then the emergency siphon just above the durso. This lets me have effective surface skimming with as little noise from the overflow as possible.

How are you doing the return?? Over the back or drilling out bulkheads on the back glass?

 

[ReefNoob]

Jason,
good idea on the adjustable durso,that could avoid me some pain.
I'm thinking return will be over the back with multiple loc-lines(or PVC,not sure yet). Not that comfortable drilling the back of a large tank

 

[d2mini]

Jason and I both have the return coming in over the back.

 

[ReefNoob]

Jason and I both have the return coming in over the back.

Then it is decided! Thanks for the pic-looks good