return pump help needed

[beckisguy73]

ok I'm about to buy a Reeflo Hammerhead return for my 125... It is rated for 3000 gph with 20' of head and I will have at least 15' of head.. I will be running 2 returns and maybe the skimmer also with this pump.. I really dont want to have too many powerheads in my tank either so I'm kinda hoping this would be enough flow and not too much flow.. Also for returns I have megaflows with the splits so I can send the water 4 different ways to try and get enough flow without the use of powerheads in the tank..

Thank you,
Mike

 

[JayM]

so...what's the help you need?

as I see it, you need to worry about DRAINS in your calculation, not returns.

FWIW, megaflow overflows are rated at 600GPH, under OPTIMUM conditions, so even at 3000GPH, you're 1800GPH over :: the pump rating. You better plan on driving the skimmer, and throttling the output (not input) of that pump.

 

[beckisguy73]

yeah I guess I never thought of that... I never really had a big tank. Guess you could still call me a noob. biggest tank was a 90G with a mag18 return... So what pump would I need for this thing? any suggestions?

 

[JohnK]

Yup, what Jay said.

What kind of skimmer and how would it be being fed?

You can throttle the pump back but cannot increase it's output. Better to be on the safe side. (and the energy use goes down as you throttle it back)

IME it may be difficult to keep the balance between tank and skimmer adjusted. I prefer to use two seperate pumps.

 

[JayM]

the reeflo pumpos are sweet. I run a tarpon myself.

 

[BrianMac]

+1 on Reeflo. I have 2 Marlins- One is a backup

 

[beckisguy73]

I will be buying a reeflo but what pump would you suggest? maybe something a bit smaller then the hammerhead? Like I said I will have about 15' of head.. Is there something better I can do as a drain that will handle more then 600GPH?

 

[JayM]

I thought you had 2 drains? 2 x 600 = 1200. Reeflo tarpon.