I just built my first sump (was pretty easy) and i was wondering if anybody has suggestions for the pump i should use. The sump itself is a 10 gal and it is being used to filter a 30 gal.
Thanks for the help
Thanks for the help
suggestions for a pump for a 10 gal sump
- Thread starter gman
- Start date
ive got a ven. pike, and a speckled shovelnose in there right now. I want alot of flow cause i want this tank to remain spotless (its got a bare bottom) and I'm going to move 3 small oscars into the tank temporarily and they are pigs. Basically something that delivers good performance/flow and isnt going to cost me an arm and a leg.
Check out the larger powerheads. Get something that cycles the tank at least 4 times per hour. With those fish probably 7 or 8. Rio powerheads have a gph chart on the back that shows flow at different heads. Other pumps may as well. I just used rios cause I got em cheap.
Dont forget head pressure when your buying a pump for a sump. The pump usually has to lift the water 4-6 feet back into the main tank so a pump rated at say 120gph may pump less then half that by the time it gets the water back into the tank. You need to look at a pump with a decent head rating on it and then get a pump that will move your tank water at least 4 times an hour(more if you like) at the head height that you need 
I ended up using an aquaclear 50 powerhead, it is rated at 270 gph. I just put a piece of aquarium hose on the outlet of the powerhead. I have the sump next to the tank so it only is lifting the water about 1'. Its working great and is relatively quiet.