Recommendations for return pump pretty please?

[Dirt4dinner]

I am having my new tank and sump built and I don't know much about return pumps. In my old tank I just had a 400 GPH powerhead with a hose that ran the water back to my tank. But, I know that isn't enough. Can someone recommend a good pump to return the water back to my new tank? I need something powerful enough, but it also needs to be able to have a hose attached to it. I was looking at the Mag Drive 12. What do you think? -DIRT

[dakar]

Sorry no easy answer for you, but a lot of questions to help nail it down.

How big is the new tank and sump going to be? How big is the overflow piping going to be? How many return ports, what size? Anything special like a SCWD on the return?

But the Danner Mag pumps are well built, efficient, and will run for long time with just regular cleaning. Not the quietest pumps out there today, but not bad.

[perpetual98]

I'm a large fan of the Quiet One line of pumps. Good flow and ultra quiet. What flow are you looking for? I would suggest the Quiet One 3000 or 4000

[Dirt4dinner]

Ok, questions answered. 70 gallon tank, sump is open and measures 24" long, 15" high, 15" front to back. It has a dual return 2 x 1/2" returns. How do I work dual returns...I thought it was single until I just looked. Bring on your expertiece kids!

[davejnz]

I think Dave means what kind of overflow are you useing,not the returns from your sump pump.How many/what size bulkheads does the overflow have.For a 70gal tank,700gph after head loss is a good flow rate through your sump IMO.A Quiet0ne4000 does about 650ish with 4 vertical feet of head and useing 4 elbows with 1" PVC plumbing.The MAG 12 does 950is with the same plumbing.950ish is a tad too high IMO for your sump/tank.

[Dirt4dinner]

I am glad you said that Dave. I am planning on picking up that QO4000 from Perpetual's website. Thanks, Tyler

but the skimmer hunt continues...I am leaning towards the ASM G2.

[dakar]

I agree with David, if only a single 1" drain line and you want to use a Mag series pump the Mag9.5 would be better suited for your setup.

[davejnz]

AS for your returns,I'd consider increasing them to 3/4" if possible.The way you plumb them is by useing a T fitting.From your sump pump,you plumb up to the returns with 1" PVC,use a T fitting then plumb over to the returns,then reduce to the proper size with reducing elbows.

[Dirt4dinner]

I sent an email to the tank builder to see if he can change it to 3/4" plumbing...I have a feeling the tank is already made though. We will see.

[davejnz]

I assume the returns are being drilled and fitted with bulkheads along the top'back of tank.While its still in the building phase,find out what style/dimensions the overflow will be.Also find out what size bulkheads the overflow will have.I'd setlle for no less than 2-1" bulkheads for the overflow/s.
Most likely,he's gonna build you 2 internal corner/tower overflows.All though these are fine,if you still have the chance to let him build you a custom horizontal(can be internal or external if tank's acrylic)then you will be much happier.H-overflow's are quieter and much more efficient than towers.

[Dirt4dinner]

yes dave it has dual 1" drains. I don't know the dimensions of the overflow...but from what I gather, he isn't cutting corners.