90 Gallon Reef ready questions

So, I have a Sump and protein skimmer, have not put everything together yet as I need to paint the wall that the tank will be on. The LFS said I should be okay with a 740 GPH pump, for some reason that either seems small or I am just crazy? Haha as well does anybody else have a 90 Gallon? What could you recommend for pumps and water flow?;D

 

I have a Mag Drive model 7 (700GPH) return on my sump and my DT is 90 gal. It works excellent for me. I need more powerheads though, I only run 2 400GPH koralia's and I am going to be getting 2 more 1400GPH for more flow.

 

I have a 65 gallon which is almose thw same dimmensions only 36" long. I have 500gph pump. You dont want too much flow through the sump. I have 1900 gph in my display

 

You want the water to cycle through the sump about 6-10 times per hour. More isn't bad, less means a less efficient skimmer, etc.

I can't tell you whether 740 gph is enough or not. It totally depends on the ability of the pump to deliver at the head height of the aquarium (probably about 5 feet plus a little for pipe friction). The Mag 7, which delivers 700 gph max flow, only delivers about 400 gallons at that height (only about 4.5 times per hour. That is NOT enough flow through the sump.

Frankly at a minimum I'd go with something like a Mag 9.5. It delivers 950 gallons max and about 750 gph at that height, which is just north of 8 times your tank volume.

To be totally over the top you could go with a Mag 12. Way more flow than you'd need, but it would allow you to split the flow into four return lines (that will lower your flow a little) and still have plenty of power.

 

Thanks guys!! I just wanted to check before we fill it up this weekend and I can't take it back!! Lol

 

I'm doing the same setup...just curious, what skimmer and overflow did you go with?

 

Well the Skimmer is Aqua pro or something of that nature, I am currently at work and can't recall, the overflow was predrilled and built in, and I have a MegaFlow Sump... So far thats as far as I have gotten... lol here is the only photo of it that I have

 

Nice lookin tank and stand. As mentioned it is better to try and get closer to the 900 gph or more and split your return lines directional flow in the tank which would reduce the number of powerheads in your DT and offer more surface aggitation. Hurry up and get it running man. JM2C