Ok guys, progress on my new to me 75 gallon tank is coming along. I’m really hoping to be able to fill it up soon since my floors will be done this week. However I still need a few key pieces first. So far I have the tank (very important! LOL), stand and canopy. I also possibly have a 38 gallon sump/fuge (waiting on confirmation). What I still really need is a return pump but I’m not sure what one I would need, this is my first sump experience. I also need to decide on my lighting. I am thinking a 4x35 watt t5 system with moonlight leds. If anyone has any suggestions I am open to them, especially for the return pump as I am lost on that, it would be greatly appreciated. Also taking backup offers on a sump, in case this on doesn’t work out. I preferably want on with a refuge section and no bigger than 40 breeder.
If your doing t5’s i would at least use the 4’ bulbs if possible. They are 54 watts each.
And imo a standard 30g tank would make a great size sump/fuge combo. pretty common tank size. If you have your skimmer already then that would be important figuring out if it fits in the sump, then baffle out the sections accordingly. For a return pump, something like a quietone 3000, or similar to that in flow.
Your right they are 54 each, I was thinking of my aquapod lights LOL! I don’t have a skimmer yet since I never put one on the pod so I’m not too worried about that. Is there a minimum flow rate necessary for the return pump to keep the water level maintained in the sump? Not sure how it works since the tank is drilled. I dont know what is required to make sure the return flow keeps up with the water falling into the sump… The plumbing does have a siphon break hole drilled so overflowing shouldn’t be a problem but I want to get it right with the first pump LOL.
I think your overflow is rated for 700gph?
And how it works is, the tank only drains the amount that is being pumped in by the return pump.
If you exceed the maximum flow of your drilled tank drain (example… too big of a return pump) and it starts pumping water into the tank faster then it will drain… thats easy, just put a valve on the return line to slow down the pump.
basically its going to drain out at the same rate that its being pumped in. think of it as a kitchen sink that keeps getting the drain water pumped back through the faucet… just one big circle of water.
there is no set standard for the flow rate though, some people like fast through the sump/fuge… others slower.
the faster you go, the more detritus will get sucked into your overflow box, but also the faster you go through a small sump increases micro bubbles getting pumped into the dt through return lines. i think with a 75g anywhere from 500-700gph would be fine with the size sump your planning, that is as long as its baffled wisely.
also when trying to figure out pump sizes make sure to consider the loss in gph from head height (the average is 4ft, but that increases more with the amount of 90 degree angles the return line has. so a 850gph pump would probably only be pushing around 650- 700ish on most setups.
Your comments are wonderful and on point, John. :
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Thanks! I understand a lot better now, I haven’t gotten much sleep with the move and I just couldn’t wrap my mind around how it all works LOL. Will be picking up my sump tomorrow so I am definitely on the hunt for my pump now. Can’t wait to get it all setup!
Any thoughts on a quietone 3000 vs a mag 9.5? Anyone have either for sale?
i use quiet one 3000s on two different tanks. they work fine. good flow. i use 3/4 ID tubing and bulkheads for them.
Mag pumps are rock solid. I throw them around every day for use in the field and they make it through an awful lot. That being said they use a lot more electricity then compatible pumps and put a lot of heat in the water. In my opinion a Mag 9.5 is also bordering on overkill for a 75 gallon.
Tip: If you are putting the tank against a wall and can spare a couple inches behind the tank run the line from the return pump up and over the back and then use the two bulkheads for drains. Twice the drains = half the noise. If the plumbing is already done don’t worry over it. Just something to consider if you are not too far into or the noise isn’t too much.
[quote=“Gordonious, post:9, topic:2790”]
Mag pumps are rock solid. I throw them around every day for use in the field and they make it through an awful lot. That being said they use a lot more electricity then compatible pumps and put a lot of heat in the water. In my opinion a Mag 9.5 is also bordering on overkill for a 75 gallon.
Tip: If you are putting the tank against a wall and can spare a couple inches behind the tank run the line from the return pump up and over the back and then use the two bulkheads for drains. Twice the drains = half the noise. If the plumbing is already done don’t worry over it. Just something to consider if you are not too far into or the noise isn’t too much. [/quote]
agreed…
also i made a demo version of a “herbie” style dual drain, and had it running at the last meeting.
its def something to think about… necessity ?.. no, but its very quiet and very safe.
:TWOCENTS
The plumbing is already done so I will probably just leave it. Not too worried about noise since its away from bedrooms and TV. I decided to go with the quite one 3000 I ordered that as well as a 1200 and HOB overflow for the freshwater. Can’t wait to start cycling! Will be putting some of my sand from the 24 in the sump to help the process along. Will need to order my lights soon 
Best of luck with the build!