what size return pump

So im peicing together my new build im looking for a return pump tank is a 225gallon with a 120 gallon sump/fuge.I currently have a mag18 I got some time ago but I think I may need to go bigger.I have 2 1 inch returns and a scwd to ocilate between them. I have 2, 2in drains. Trying to keep it under $300...I still hafta buy stuff to diy my led fixture

 

Is the sump under you stand, or in a basement? I can't imagine a MAG 18 is too small, probably too big. Really you want your sump turnover only needs to be slightly more than your skimmer turnover. If you skimmer feed pump is 200gph, then you want slightly more than that, maybe 250 or 300gphish. You can go a lot higher, but return pumps use a lot of electricity, so, better to use the minimum needed and use power-heads for circulation IMO.

 

Also, find out what the max overflow drain rate is. If your pumping more than that, your tank will overflow.

 

I would suggest up to 1200gph at head.

 

Its goig in the stand/sump depending external or submersable....I have about 5 ft head with 3 90* beds. Skimmer is a red sea c skim 1800...as for my drain rate... I doubt I cud over flow it easily lol

 

Should be ok, it depends on the configuration of the drains, 2" can handle a lot of water, I don't remember exactly how much. As an example though, IIRC the big AGA tanks are rated at 1200gph and the Marineland 200+ gallon tanks are rated at 1400gph. I believe these are slightly smaller though 2x 1.25 or 2x1.5" something like that... A mag 18 @ 5' head 2" diameter (2*1") and 3 90 degree elbows gives about 1243gph. The SCWD will reduce this some. For the red sea skimmer, the max water throughput is 450gph. So, you are well above that. If you went with the next step up, a MAG 24, you'd be at 1800ish gph and would potentially need to close down your ball valve to restrict flow, but you wouldn't gain anything except electrical costs and heat, since your already way above your skimmer throughput. So, I don't see a benefit to upgrading from your current pump...

 

smaller though, your skimmer will work better... not sure if that was clear.

 

Ok ...I caved and got a mag 24 for cheap....im going to use some of the flow to recirculate water in the sump as well as run 3 reactors,the skimmer,possibly an algea trough...I plan to have a portion of the sump devoted to afew non reef safe small fish hense the 120 gallon part.thanks for the help ppl...build thread will start soon im goiing to home depot tmo for building supplys for the stand....this things gonna be tall.

 

WOW, that's a serious pump As you can probably tell already, it's not what I would have gone with LOL. Cool though, everyone has their own style. Should be an interesting build, look forward to seeing it!

 

im so ecited to get this thing started.I know its probably over kill but then again so is a 225 with a 125 sump lol...unfortunatly this is going to be slow goings, im only 23 ,payn my way threw school nd I race cars so moneys tight lol but I have almost everythiing to atleast start it leds are afew months away