Is my pump too big for my sump?

I haven't posted in a while and recently had a leak in my previous tank... Long story short, I have converted to a full overflow system with sump / refugium. I purchased the Aqueon Proflex Model 4, and my question is what size pump should I be running? Currently I am running a Danner Mag 18 pump that is split to two returns one running back through a chiller and the other through a UV sterilizer. my concern is that when the water comes in from the returns it fills the chamber above the socks and overflows past the first baffle directly into the refugium. So I think some water is being returned through the socks, but there is a great deal that is not. Do I need to get a smaller pump? The system has been up and running for 4 weeks with this setup and other than it being a little louder than I wanted everything seems to be doing just fine.

This setup is on a 125gal tank w/Dual Center Overflows

Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
MHannan

 

That's a very large pump for a 125. I have a Mag 9 on my reef tank, and even that has to be dialed down. You can either get a smaller pump, or install a valve after the pump outlet to reduce the flow of the pump.

 

You can install a valve after the pump to throttle back your return. You can adjust your flow to any speed you want that way. This also conserves electricity as well as makes the pump quieter.

I used to run a Mag24 on my 150 Gallon tank. Ran it wide open. It is all about finding the right flow for your setup.

 

Thanks for the advice. It looks like I'll be looking into a smaller pump.