what size powerhead / return pump i need?

Ok, you guys can have a laugh at me on this one, but I was trying to save money by using my 3ph powerhead in my sump...Its only rated at (go ahead..lol) 170 gph. Needless to say, the water only made it up the the u bend in the return (going up around 5') and then trickled into the tank.
Whats the min gph pump I can get away with? The 170 will go back in the tank for current only. Im running a 52 gal tank with a 10 gal sump / fuge. My overflow is fitted with 3/4 ID drain line. I just want somthing to get that water back into my main tank at a decent rate, nothing too powerful, just one that can make the 5' climb...lol

 

most people have around 500 gph atleast

 

A Mag. 5 or 7 will do you just fine on a 52 Gal tank.

 

Tangster...how much does the mag 5 or 7 flow per hour? Im assuming 500 and 700 gph correct?

 

There is a good chart that provides flow rate as a function of head for each of the Mag Drive Pumps here. Remember that you will have minor losses in the pipe that will increase the head in addition to your elevation change. Mag 5 will probably work with 3/4" drain-thats the setup I have been testing for my 30 gal.

Danner Supreme Mag-Drive Aquarium Water Pump/Powerhead