Pump for 150g tank

[mhathy77]

I am going to set up a 150g freshwater tank with a 30g refugium. How many gph should the return pump be? Also, does anyone know of any really good brands of pumps?

Also, how many pounds of sand should I do for the substrate of this tank?

 

[Devildog2847]

+1, I'm doing the same. I've been shopping around for pumps, but I seem to hear it both ways for every pump I look at.

Everything I've read points to 5-7 gph flow rate for every gallon of water. I don't know if you need to include the refugium in the flow rate. You also need to figure your head height and calculate that in as well, I found this website to help with that: http://www.pondsupplies.com.au/pond-advice/pump-head-height.php that's about all I know so far, any input from the pro's here would be greatfully accepted

 

[Devildog2847]

Advice anybody?

 

[SimonL]

You're doing a refugium in freshwater? Not saying you can't...but why not just do WCs? The reason they are used in marine tanks is to export nutrients, grow natural foods and help lessen the number of water changes (salt is expensive).

I'm assuming you have a sump?

 

[mhathy77]

You're doing a refugium in freshwater? Not saying you can't...but why not just do WCs? The reason they are used in marine tanks is to export nutrients, grow natural foods and help lessen the number of water changes (salt is expensive).

I'm assuming you have a sump?

I am doing this tank in a classroom and want the kids to see the most natural filtration possible.