300g: Sump and sizing a pump?

[dxdx]

I've never used a sump before, and I know there are limitless ways to configure them but here's what I was thinking for my first time setting this up. The pump sizing sticky was very helpful but I wanted to ask if I am on the right track with my plans:

Tank is 300 wide, glasscages reef-ready setup w/ dual overflows. Overflows will have durso stand pipes, the flow to the sump will be through two 1.5" pipes. Sump itself is 75 gallons.

I was thinking of using 2 mag drive md12's for the returns.

Based on this chart: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BulkheadFloRateArt.htm

I'm thinking the sump will get around 1700gph so the two md12 pumps at 880 each (36inches of head) for a total of 1760 would be right.

I could adjust the overflow rate with a strainer (see above chart) if it was too much, or ball valves if the pumps are too strong.

Is using 2 pumps a good idea, or should i get one larger one? If so, recommendations or any other general advice would be great.

 

[epond83]

Going with two small pumps has the advantages, small pumps are usually quitier and if one fails the other one will still be running just have a lower flow rate until you replace the one. The down side is it will probably cost more compaired to buying a one pump that puts out the same as the small ones.

I would check your head measurement, 36 inches? The tank is 25 so the top of the water in the sump will be 11 from the bottom of the tank? Head hieght is from top of water surface from supply to top of water surface of output.

The amount of flow sounds pretty good. Just need to figure out how you configuring the sump. I would try and use filter socks. Lots of different micron ratings to play with wter clairity vs time to change them out.

 

[dxdx]

Thanks for the reply...

36 inch head measurement is what was listed for 880gph, but mine will probably be about 50". I made the shortest stand I could get by with @ 25" tall.


I do plan on some type of filter sock for the sump, especially if I can make something DIY since the material is so cheap. I've done 25 micron sheets on my HOB filter and they work great.

 

[epond83]

I prefure taller stands, I would make it based on what you want an not because of head height, but if it's already built and you ae happy go for it.

For the pump are you talking about this one? http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?category=Danner_Mag_Drive_Supreme_Water_Pump_Up_to_500_Gallons_Per_Hour_Submersible_Water_Pumps&vendor=Danner_Mfg.&idProduct=DN1111&IdCategory=FIWPSBUF&child=DN1129&tab=1&size=12%20(1200%20gph

The 12 at 60" (5') says 1120 gph each, To compaire to a single pump you are going to have to use an external pump.

 

[seedubs1]

If it's a mag drive 12, it's going to give you more than 880 gph at 36".

But sounds like you've got yourself going int he right direction. I'd do filter socks, then a chamber for more mech. filtration, then a bigger drip chamber for bio material (scrubbies and maybe bio balls if you have money).

 

[dxdx]

Actually, I was looking at this pump but the link you provided looks better. I don't know why the drop is so much in this one but the chart says gph at 3 feet drops to 880 for the 12: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4590

The stand is already built, and it's got to fit into the space I have, so the shorter the better.

The sump configuration isn't worrying me too much. I plan to have what you laid out seedubs1 - filter sock, other mech then to bio media of some kind. Going all out on this tank with auto water changer and 3-d background.

Will post another thread once its delivered and I start putting it together.

 

[epond83]

Must be an older model, pumps vary alot in head pressure, noise level, and power used. It's probably one of the more difficult things to shop for.