What size pump for my tank

Bret11

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 10, 2018
130
28
36
28
I am getting a 125 gallon saltwater tank with 2 overflows. I will using an eshopps wd 150 on the tank and some type of protein skimmer. I want a submersible pump, how many gph should that pump be?
 

TheReefer

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Apr 13, 2019
602
423
72
43
Pennsylvania
I am getting a 125 gallon saltwater tank with 2 overflows. I will using an eshopps wd 150 on the tank and some type of protein skimmer. I want a submersible pump, how many gph should that pump be?
Is it a reef tank or FOWL? I would say around 900 gph would be a good bet depending on the stock, on my 54 I have 700 gph.
 

Bret11

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 10, 2018
130
28
36
28
It’s a FOWL, I found 2 pumps I really like, they come in either 800gph or 1050gph. What would be better?
 

TheReefer

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Apr 13, 2019
602
423
72
43
Pennsylvania
It’s a FOWL, I found 2 pumps I really like, they come in either 800gph or 1050gph. What would be better?
what fish do you plan on getting? Larger fish (puffers, triggers, lion fish, etc.) I'd say a 1050, if you are getting a community tank with blennies, gobies, clownfish, mandarins, etc. then I'd say the 850
 

PYRU

Probation Member
Probation Member
Apr 8, 2015
2,358
3,284
164
SE
With sw I like 5-10x tank volume. Then make up the rest with powerheads

You want good contact time to let your skimmer etc do their thing.
 
Last edited:

Bret11

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Oct 10, 2018
130
28
36
28
what fish do you plan on getting? Larger fish (puffers, triggers, lion fish, etc.) I'd say a 1050, if you are getting a community tank with blennies, gobies, clownfish, mandarins, etc. then I'd say the 850
I’m planning on do larger fish. I’m gonna go with the 1050
 

PYRU

Probation Member
Probation Member
Apr 8, 2015
2,358
3,284
164
SE
I’m planning on do larger fish. I’m gonna go with the 1050
Fwiw I'm using a fluval sp4 ( bullet proof motor) throttled with a valve on a 210. I want to run it at 50% so I'm close to 5x tank volume. The stock will be an emporer angel with supporting cast or a clown trigger with whatever will survive. I did a similar setup in the past with a 180 and a porky.

The flow through your sump isn't all that important. You want it to somewhat match your skimmer. Fowlr wise 10x tank volume total flow is problably enough.

Your sump is to hide your equip and let your skimmer etc work not to achieve flow. Your main bio is your live rock.

Flow doesn't get crazy until upper end lps or sps. Flow through the sump is typically low with sw
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store