How many GPH needed on a return for a 180 gallon reef tank

[SanmanReefer]

Hey guys, Im planning a 180 gallon mixed reef tank. The tank is gonna have two overflows, a Reef Octopus Skimmer, two Reactors (Carbon and GFO) etc. I would like for the tank to be as quiet as possible so I was thinking about using a Mag 7 or Mag 9 for a return, then of course use a stronger pump (maybe 18) on my skimmer. Ive always done it like this an never had a problem, but my tanks have never been this large (larger was a 90) Also, Ive always used a neoprene mat in between the tank and stand and under the sump and that has minimized the noise as well. What do you guys think I can use for a return pump? Keep in mind im going for a quiet tank. Thanks.

 

[rkaragozler]

what kind of sump will you be using, will it be drilled for a return pump, or are you thinking of going submersible, if submersible you can't beat the ehiems, for noise, heat, and power consumption. On a 180 I personally wouldn't do more than a 3-5x turnover thru the sump and make up the difference with power heads. I am guessing that you are going to have 2 1" drains, and 2 3/4" returns on that tank. So if you really wanted to push the limit of what your drains can handle, you can go up to 1200-1800 gph, but mind you it will be load.

 

[Turbovr3six]

Go with a WaterBlaster HY-5000, Sicce Snycra 5.0, or Ehiem 1262. I personally would choose the WaterBlaster.

 

[jaa1456]

I always use ehiem and for 17 years now. You can't beat them for quality and almost dead silent operation. They cost more than most pumps but you wont be buying a new one 2 years down the road. The mags are louder and tend to rust as well. And why such a large pump on the skimmer? Which exact model are you going with?

 

[reefman]

ehiem is great (which is what i use) but not nearly enough for a 180 gal. go with at least 1800 gph.

 

[SanmanReefer]

what kind of sump will you be using, will it be drilled for a return pump, or are you thinking of going submersible, if submersible you can't beat the ehiems, for noise, heat, and power consumption. On a 180 I personally wouldn't do more than a 3-5x turnover thru the sump and make up the difference with power heads. I am guessing that you are going to have 2 1" drains, and 2 3/4" returns on that tank. So if you really wanted to push the limit of what your drains can handle, you can go up to 1200-1800 gph, but mind you it will be load.

I was thinking about using a 36 inch custom sump. It wont be drilled (going submersible) Yes, the tank will have (2) 1 inch drains, I already have 2 Vortech MP40's. So Im guessing for turnover something like 540-900 (3 to 5 times) at 5 foot head pressure. What model Eheim should I get? Also have you had any experience on the Quiet One pumps? Thanks for your help.

 

[SanmanReefer]

I always use ehiem and for 17 years now. You can't beat them for quality and almost dead silent operation. They cost more than most pumps but you wont be buying a new one 2 years down the road. The mags are louder and tend to rust as well. And why such a large pump on the skimmer? Which exact model are you going with?

Thanks for the info on the Eheim pumps. I personally have never used them but heard good things about them. And I couldn't agree more with you on the MAG drives. I have a Mag drive on my 46 bow and its loud as hell. On the skimmer pump I was just thinking on a large pump but that maybe be overkill. What skimmer would you recommend? Ive been using Reef Octopus forever and I like them but always open to new suggestions.

 

[jaa1456]

I run the reef octopus as well. Running a 150 on my 65. A little big for the tank size but I have a heavy bioload. I have heard great things about Magnus skimmers as well. But im gonna stick with the octo on my upgrade just a larger model and use the pump provided.

 

[jaa1456]

ehiem is great (which is what i use) but not nearly enough for a 180 gal. go with at least 1800 gph.

A 1262 is plenty to run a 180. If it is only used as the return pump. You only want 3 times the tank volume out of your return. So a 180, just say 200 for a nice round# you would only need 600 gph. Which is plenty running through the sump. That 9x the flow volume is useless crap and goes through the sump so fast it loses all benefit.