Sump Return Pump

This is really something you should have planned out before making the sump. The size of the return pump may be an issue. I don't think it's worth your time to get an exact calculation. The best answer is to get a pump rated at 120+ GHP @ 4Ft and then put a ball valve in the return line to dial it in to your overflow. A mag 3 or quiet one 800 would probably work great.
If you want to be extra careful, get one that under rates your overflow @ 4Ft

 

^ Dido

 

Head Loss Calculator on Reef Central
You can plug in various pumps, adding the number of 90 degrees along with your return pipe diameter to determine approximately the gph you'll have with each pump.
According to this calculator, a Mag3 with 3/4" return, 4' long and 4 90's would be approx. 237 gph.
Same scenario with a Quiet One 800 would yield 44 gph.
As with anything, it isn't exact and you may need to throttle the return (never the drain) with a valve.
-Eric

 

Posted By lordofthereef on 04/01/2009 07:08 PM

Posted By llebcire on 04/01/2009 06:41 PM
Head Loss Calculator on Reef Central
You can plug in various pumps, adding the number of 90 degrees along with your return pipe diameter to determine approximately the gph you'll have with each pump.
According to this calculator, a Mag3 with 3/4" return, 4' long and 4 90's would be approx. 237 gph.
Same scenario with a Quiet One 800 would yield 44 gph.
As with anything, it isn't exact and you may need to throttle the return (never the drain) with a valve.
-Eric
That is the kind of calc I was looking for. Thanks much!
Strangest thing - when you respond it refers to you in my e-mail as "Bela".
Have you changed your name or something?
Just curious - glad the calculator was what you were looking for!
-Eric

 

Posted By lordofthereef on 04/01/2009 11:09 PM
No I didn't change my name, I think I checked to allow members to see my actual name rather than my screen name when I was playing around the settings
Thanks for that - I believe yours is the only one that shows different from the screen name.
-Eric

 

If your return pump is rated at 300 GPH and your overflow is rated at 120 GPH, the pump will fill up your tank faster than the overflow can empty it.  You can see how this might be a problem resulting in a wet floor and a return pump that eats itself alive while running dry.  This is why you want to either throttle down a higher rated pump, or get a pump that is not capable of maxing out your overflow @ 4Ft head.
Some people think it's bad to put a valve on the return line, but I don't see how it's any different if it has a 10ft head vs a 1/4 closed valve.  Additionally, your overflow is only going to empty water as fast as your return pump can supply it, unless the return pump is faster than the overflow and you get the water spillage scenario mentioned above.

 

It's just an option in the forum preferences I think...I changed mine too.
--AJ

 

I never did understand why there are TWO preferences sections and TWO profile sections. One of which changes your forum profile and the other which does absolutely nothing.