Pump Size

[Abruskin]

I am going to be setting up an aquarium with roughly 200 gallons in it. How many gph should the pump for the sump be and where can I get one of those pumps? Any recommended pumps?


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[duanes]

A resonable turnover rate for an average aquarium, is twice in an hour. A 500 gph hour pump would be adequate for that rate in a 200 gal set up. (there is usually a loss of flow due to head loss (the height a pump must overcome (overly simplistic explanation)) and other factors that reduce that 500gph number).
There are many pumps at this size, at many different price ranges, from many places.
just for example
A 500gph Mag Drive pump from Drs FosterSmith would run under $100
I like a higher turnover rate, and heavier current in my 300 gal multiple tank set ups, and use 1200-1800gph pumps.

 

[Abruskin]

WoUld twice an hour be good enough? Because I know some like almost 5 times an hour so I'm not sure what's necessary and what's overkill


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[duanes]

Depends on what you will be stocking.
If you want peacock bass or other Amazon river fish, I'd opt for a stronger pump, such as 1200 or higher..
If a rheophillic type such as in the genus Tomocichla or Retroculus, you could go 2400gph or higher.
If still water types such as gouramis and other labyrinth fish, a 500 would do nicely.
What's your plan?

 

[Abruskin]

I'm thinking one aro


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[wow_it_esploded]

Rule of thumb should be about 4x turnover with a sump system, so you'll want 800 effective gph.

I have always liked MagDrive brand pumps, they are reliable and are essentially water-moving tanks. I know people who have had them running for years and years, never a problem. I have a MD24 on my pond's filtration system and I never have an issue with it.

I also enjoy ViaAqua pumps, I have 3 or 4 of those circulating water in the pond and, once again, no issues or complaints.

 

[duanes]

Aros tend to live in backwaters, slow flow areas of rivers, so you do not need to create much current.
I agree with the above poster about Mag Drives, I have some that have been running 24/7 for 20 years, with stops for routine maintenance, and the occasional replacement of an impeller or volute. And these parts are readily available in case of a breakdown, much less expensive than replacing an entire pump. An impeller or volute can be damaged by a stone, and this is a minor repair in a Mag Dr.

 

[aldiaz33]

Look at the Laguna Max Flo line of pumps. They are more efficient than the Mag drive pumps (they pump more water per watt of electricity consumed than the Mags).