How to Choose a Properly Sized Return Pump for Your Saltwater Aquarium

[@AcuaTV]

This has been the most useful video on how to calculate head pressure that I've seen so far. Thank you guys!

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for the compliments and we appreciate you watching! -Robert @ MD

[@Matt-dc8lp]

Very useful and simple explanation of head pressure and warnings of how not to use external pumps.

[@NinjaSushi2]

I'm glad I watched this!

[@Copperdog230]

Great video, very well explained.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

Great video. glad you mentioned head pressure. . also pump maintainance should be a topic for future discussion

[@BulkReefSupply]

Great idea! We will put it on the list. -Robert @ MD

[@FishOfHex]

great video as always man

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for the compliments! -Robert @ MD

[@d4rks1gm39]

I was confused why the LFS told me to get the Syncra 3.0 for my 33 gallon, now it makes sense. Still seems like a lot with 7 ft of head pressure.

[@someguy8811]

Thank you exactly what I needed to know

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thank you for watching!

[@NinjaSushi2]

1:25 if your reverse the diagram you can reduce the head pressure. Not that it matters but you could have the return pump outlet right above the sump. The drain line doesn't require pressure so it can be longer without issue.

[@williamstlj530]

Great video! Thanks

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for the compliments and appreciate you watching! -Robert @ MD

[@kolis447]

Very helpful Thank you

[@npg4339]

Hello Marine Depot!! congratulations for your channel, I have learned a lot watching your videos. Taking advantage of your experience, please help me to answer a question: I have a small mixed aquarium of 300 L (including sump) and I am going to renew the return pump, in the market (Mexico) the available options are: Vectra S2 or Octopus VisionS2 or VisionS4. Which of those options do you recommend? Thanks for replying and congratulations again. Cheers

[@amdomag]

What pump is best for a 260 gal bait tank? ty.

[@alexeverson2015]

I have a Nuvo 30L and am planning to add a refugium(sump won't fit in the stand) any suggestions for a pump? Thanks!!

[@BulkReefSupply]

I would shoot for about 200 - 300 GPH of flow through the filtration. The Sicce 1.5 would be a great choice. mdshop.us/2q2UfnY

[@alexeverson2015]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies thanks I'll look into it!

[@PSCThrillSeeker]

Very well explain!

[@Me5hell]

I'm planning an above main tank sump with 1" pvc flex. Plans were pumping (pump on ground) water out of my mt 6 feet up to sump, and gravity overflow back to mt, but you mention to avoid doing that, what are the pros/cons? Will this not work? I've already bought blueline 20hd and was gonna start plumbing later this week.? As long as I prime the pump/pipe, it should work i would think..

[@BulkReefSupply]

The pump needs to be below the water level of the water container it is pulling from so you will have a naturally flooded suction on the pump. Using a check valve or manually priming the pump is not a safe method of installation as it could cause your pump to dry run or fail in the event prime is lost.

[@DJ_LittlePea]

I have the fluval m90 it's 130 litres and I'm looking for a good reliable yet cheap return pump the tank is an all in one system and I've seen so many but not sure which one is going to do what I need it to do .... do you have any recommendations ???

[@BulkReefSupply]

I prefer the Sicce or Tunze brand pumps as they are quiet and very reliable. You can check them out below! mdshop.us/2sYJwvh mdshop.us/2sZcew4

[@nourdinek9909]

please I need to determine a small water pump for a scientific exeperience, the flow shoud be between 6 and 30 l/h, do you have any idea or suggestions.

[@pauldeacon8764]

Hi great video! I have a Fluval m90 marine aquarium & I want to upgrade the return pump!Could u tell me please a really good return pump that I could upgrade to please?? Thank you 😀👍

[@tomengland5082]

hi, could you recommend a replacement pump for a innovative marine reactor (midsize) please?

[@BulkReefSupply]

The stock pump pushes 92 GPH based on the specifications from IM; the Sicce Micra should work out great and I provided a link below for you to check it out on our website. mdshop.us/2al6Tdm

[@tomengland5082]

+Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies ideal thanks for your help

[@SuperScuffle]

when you say 5x to 10x tank turn over do you mean display only or dislapy plus suimp? I have a 12g fluval edge i am fitting with a 10g custom sump. Do i calculate on 12g (display only) or 22g (display and sump)??

[@BulkReefSupply]

Typically this would apply to the total water volume in your system. On a small tank, you do have to be careful with too much from so just be sure to utilize a valve that allows you to dial back the flow if need be.

[@jamesv7798]

What return pumo you gonna recommend for reef crest 35g drop tank. Im using 2 return pump on it.

[@BulkReefSupply]

You want to accomplish 175 - 350 GPH through the aquarium. We have a number of pumps that can easily provide this type of flow through the system and I like the Sicce brand pumps, check them out below. The pumps run quiet and are quality built for long lasting operation when maintained properly. mdshop.us/2Dg1232 -Robert @ MD

[@ShekinaS]

I want to buy the Marine Depot overflow nano for my 30g but i dont know which return pump/plumbing should i get, could you please help me? im a newbie i have no idea how to do this

[@BulkReefSupply]

You want about 300 GPH reaching the aquarium through the sump. You will need to calculate the distance and pressure the plumbing will apply in order to choose the right pump. Our technical support team can quickly walk you through this and get you some pump suggestions. [e-mail] 1-800-566-3474 -Robert @ MD

[@Matt-dc8lp]

If one wanted to use 2 pumps instead of one (for redundancy), do you have to use 2 full return lines or could you T them together?

[@tommyluu5677]

Would a Sicce 0.5 fit in the new Fluval Evo 12 AIO tanks? Thank you!

[@leahfiish]

What are the issues with using a smaller than recommend pump? Will I be okay as long as I supplement my display with extra powerheads? I have a 90g with a mag 7 and about 7' head loss.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Using a smaller pump means water will pass through your filtration less times per hour; which can have benefits because it will also increase contact time with the filtration. The general rule of 5-10 per hour is a range that has been proven to be most effective and as long as you are within or close to this flow range, your filtration will be effective. Using additional powerheads for flow inside the aquarium is highly recommended for saltwater aquariums; more specifically a reef aquarium but this does not have any effect on how much water flow through the filtration.

[@gokulaguhan5103]

Is it okay to have both the overflow drain and return pipe in same size ?

[@BulkReefSupply]

The ticket here is the drain size must be able to accommodate the amount of flow you need and then some. When looking at pipe diameters you pretty much have a maximum drain rate for the pipe diameter; plus you need to consider the ability of your overflow style of choice. Some overflows work better than others in terms of handling drain rates and still remaining quiet. Short answer is yes, you can utilize equal diameter but be sure to pay attention to the desired rate of flow when choosing that diameter. -Robert @ MD

[@gokulaguhan5103]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies Thanks 😊

[@dcd2060]

building a 450g aquarium tank for fresh water. Which pump would you recommend? btw fish for tank will be african cichlids

[@Shunto99]

I have a small 29g bio cube. What brand Would you suggest? I Imagine that it wouldn't be too big. Thanks.

[@BulkReefSupply]

For these tanks; I would go with the Cobalt MJ pumps or a small Sicce brand pump. I provided a couple links below for you to check them out on our website. mdshop.us/2cyxUu1 mdshop.us/2cyycRA

[@Shunto99]

Thank you. I do like the Sicce brand...

[@BulkReefSupply]

Glad to help!

[@margaretkamm4248]

Would love to see one of these with suggestions for Nano reefs.

[@BulkReefSupply]

Thanks for the suggestion and we will put it on the list of ideas! In the meantime, feel free to contact our support team for fast and friendly advice. 1-800-566-3474 [e-mail]

[@vivianzhang8287]

can I use a really warm return pump as part of my heating?

[@BulkReefSupply]

In a sense yes, pumps will heat the water but you do want to monitor closely because it is important not to let the water get too hot or too cold. A heater can be set at a specific temperature and will always ensure your water temperature is within the correct range.

[@vivianzhang8287]

Ok thank you for replying!

[@brucea8621]

I'm setting up a 90 gallon system with 2 returns, as far as head pressure what does a "T" count as?

[@kulot1n10]

Hello, my name is Alvin i'm super new to this hobby and i was given a 110 gallon tank. It has an overflow built in but i'm using it for a freshwater. What kind of pump should i use in this situation? Tank did not come with a sump. The previous owner has a pump inside the overflow, and i was told it does about 400 GPH. will i need to replace the pump? i also don't know how old the pump is.

[@BulkReefSupply]

I think you may benefit from a quick conversation with our technical support team, they will be happy to answer your questions and get you the equipment you need. For a freshwater tank of this size, you want to accomplish 300-500 GPH through the sump. I would test the pump you have inside of a bucket first, clean it up and you should be good to go if i works! [e-mail] 1-800-566-3474 -Robert @ MD

[@RCcrazy2008]

I have a 200 gallon bow front and a 40 gallon sump what size return pump should I get? I'm very confused on this part of the tank. Thank you.

[@BulkReefSupply]

You want to accomplish around 1000-2000 GPH at the tank. Therefore, choose a pump that can deliver this kind of flow. Feel free to contact our support team for live one on one support. [e-mail] 1-800-566-3474

[@RCcrazy2008]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies thank you. I will call.

[@RCcrazy2008]

Marine Depot Aquarium Supplies thank you. I will call.

[@gm836]

Christopher Costigan tic reef 8000 or 12000 return pump

[@jaydenmarrero6350]

I have a 20 gallon aquarium with 3 to 4 feet which pump should I use

[@gabrielcodina5466]

For calculating total tank turnover per hr do you need to include your sump with your tank in terms of water volume(gallons) for example?

[@BulkReefSupply]

I usually calculate the display volume when choosing a return pump. You can of course include the sump volume which will then ensure your pump is plenty strong enough and can always be dialed down if need be.

[@gabrielcodina5466]

k thnx

[@bojacksonsuperturtle7411]

I have a 30 gallon jbj Nano and I think the return pump is on its way out.. could you recommend an affordable yet reliable return pump, that won’t flood my house. Cheers!!

[@BulkReefSupply]

You want about 300 gallons per hour into the tank. The MJ1200 would be a great choice our you might consider the Sicce 1.5 for a little more power. mdshop.us/2Dg1232 mdshop.us/2raKaF8

[@weeny1240]

all of the pumps im looking at have no chart to know how much flow is lost from headpressure

[@sandureef]

I have a 64g and a rise pump blau 6kdc; a sump 17g; height 1.45m ... What do you think?

[@snarl3027]

I'm a little unclear on how pipe diameter affects flow. Will a larger diameter (1") return line flow more of less than a smaller (3/4") line?

[@AcuaTV]

the bigger the diameter the more flow you get. Pressure is a different thing though.

[@BulkReefSupply]

This really depends on the pump. Some pumps are designed to operate optimally with larger diameter plumbing while others perform well with smaller diameter. In general, whether you increase or decrease the diameter of the plumbing you will end up reducing the flow rate.

[@miked3713]

Any advice is appreciated.... I have about 12 gallons of water inside my 14 gallon all in one clown fish tank (sand, rock, equipment take up rest). I want to make sure I have the correct gph return pump. 12 gallons x 10 would be a max of 120 gph pump... but I also have about 10 inches of head pressure and 1 elbow. I have a circulation pump within display area. I have a nano pump that is 110 gph and is only 2.8 watts. I got this because it is very quiet and doesn't heat up the tank too much. Everything seems to be good had it for a year at least but should I get a bit more powerful one such as the CompactON 600 (159 GPH) - Eheim, Trying to keep heat and noise to it lowest. Thanks.

[@BulkReefSupply]

The 110GPH is completely sufficient for the aquarium and I see no need the upgrade. Having said that, the CompactON pumps are pretty nice and will run quiet. -Robert @ MD

[@miked3713]

Thank you

[@fritskuijstermans8690]

Do you guys ship to europe?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes we do offer shipments to most countries in Europe. You can check out the options on our website below. www.marinedepot.com/help_md_ordering_information_order.html

[@scottdarren3583]

What pump should i use for a 411 liter/181 gallon tank

[@fishymats873]

Is a Fluval Sp4 too much for a 75 gallon display?

[@BulkReefSupply]

No, the Fluval SP4 will work out great for a 75 gallon saltwater tank in most situations. The Fluval SP4 pushes a maximum of 1822 GPH and you need to accomplish roughly 750 GPH. Based on your plumbing, you can get a rough idea of how much water flow will be entering your tank and if it is too much, you can utilize a ball valve or gate valve to slow it down.

[@abh3960]

i have a red sea 350 how can i put a locline on the return line what size is the return line in the tank?

[@BulkReefSupply]

It looks as though they have a custom return line on these tanks and it may not be possible depending on the exact one you have. Using Loc-Line would require standard threaded pipe fittings. Feel free to shoot us a picture ([e-mail]) and our customer support team will be happy to help.

[@abh3960]

how do i stop the syphoning with the red sea line it drives me nuts?

[@shaggyboy5442]

I have like 11ft, what gph pump I need?

[@sindreandreandersen5815]

Is it okay with 15 in turnower on a freshwater

[@BulkReefSupply]

15 x total tank turnover per hour will result in some pretty strong water flow inside the tank which can be stressful for some freshwater fish and may result in some adverse affect in terms of filtration. We would need more details about your tank to provide specific advice an feel free to contact us directly for personalized support! [e-mail] 1-800-566-3474

[@CombackKid_]

What if I’m using vinyl tubing? How to I calculate my head pressure?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Vertical distance up is generally a good practice. So if you are running say 4ft of tubing but only travel 2ft up vertically distance; you would calculate 2ft of head pressure. Feel free to contact our support team if you need further help. 1-800-566-3474 [e-mail]

[@abh3960]

thx guys

[@robertlangford7637]

whats a good pump for a 29 gallon nano tank

[@BulkReefSupply]

As far as return pumps go, the Sicce Syncra 1.5 is a great option if you're looking for something a little more budget friendly, but still very reliable. If you want something controllable, check out the Reef Octopus Varios 2.

[@robertlangford7637]

@@BulkReefSupply thanks bra

[@abh3960]

hey guys i have a red sea 350 sicce 3 i think.... is that big enough for the return on my system....?

[@BulkReefSupply]

The Sicce Syncra 3.0 pushes 714 GPH which will give you around 400-500 GPH into the tank as long as you have no additional equipment installed that will put additional pressure on the pump. The Red Sea REEFER 350 is 73 total gallons which means you want to provide roughly 350 - 700 GPH into the tank; so this pump is perfect!

[@ITSMYBSNLDINESH]

Please said the price one hp 24 v brushless dc motor pump suction 1.5 inch delivery 10 Meter. Thank

[@omegachar4754]

You say you need a pump capable of delivering 250 to 500 gph for a 50g tank. You then pick a pump that's capable of producing between 500 and 1000gph at 7ft of head pressure. Am I misunderstanding something here? You've already accounted for head pressure, it can deliver between 250 and 500gph for a 5 to 10x turn over, yet you're still doubling up. Don't you have a 10-20x turnover now in this example?

[@timur1059]

Royal Exclusiv Red Dragon pumps?

[@jove007]

overpriced garbage ! if they are so good why are they not used in commercial use. Think about it.

[@ehehehehe2815]

If i have a 3 gallon???

[@BulkReefSupply]

I would say it is probably best to just stick with an external hang-on or canister filter and regular water change instead of a sump in this case. With only 3 gallons it will be tricky to avoid flooding.

[@ehehehehe2815]

ok

[@gokulaguhan5103]

Since my return pump is more power and it delivers more water to the display and dries out the sump For this issue can I use ball valve to control and reduce the flow from return pump ?

[@BulkReefSupply]

Yes, it is always recommended that you have some sort of flow control on your return pump for this reason. You want to dial in the return flow to perfectly match your drain rate and acheive the quietest operation possible.

[@BillyPipes]

wish you had this video up a month ago lol

[@BulkReefSupply]

Always a day late and a dollar short. :) Thanks for watching and let us know if you have any questions! -Robert @ MD

[@cryptocurrencyconnect8899]

Dolphin Pump:)

[@fdny1055]

Liked n scared at same time

[@NoeCabreraVasquez]

The hammerhead barracuda reflow pumps owner Chris partners with Lee H the only good motors are the bald doors made in America hundred percent the other ones sale are made in China the plastic vulute made in India he pays for the motors for the hammerhead seven dollars apiece for this snapper. He pays 350 apiece. Cheap motors in the motors made in China. We used to put a sticker saying there was tested in the United States. Be careful warehouses in Santa Ana California. Standard Avenue I used to work there for seven years. Be careful

[@robertlangford7637]

you guys ALWAYS only do huge tanks,what about nano tanks .did you consider that .that's ho you run people away from the hobby ,let me guess its a money thing