overflow box and return pump gph rates

[Rsquared333]

What would be a good gph rate for an overflow box and a return pump for a 46 gal tank with a 20-30 gal sump/fuge? I found a decent priced overflow box that is rated 300 gph would this be ok? If so what would the gph rating on the return pump need to be?

 

[steve-s]

The flow rates are going to depend on what kind of tank it will be. FO will not require as much as FOWLR or even more still if a coral tank. You also need to decide if you want to eliminate any visible powerheads in the tank and rely primarily on the returns from the sump or closed loop.

A 300 GPH overflow rate would be kinda low for that sized tank. You would still need a few powerheads in the tank though. If that works for you then it's all good. A MAG 350 would do for a return pump. It has a flow rate of about 250 GPH after head calculation.

I would actually suggest getting something closer to a 600 GPH overflow though, higher if you'll be keeping SPS's. You can then get a MAG 7 or similar return pump and have much less need for intank powerheads.

It really comes down to what you want in the tank...

Cheers
Steve

 

[Rsquared333]

I am going to make a reef tank so I wil most likely need a higher rated gph then. thanks a lot for the info. anyother suggestions would help.

 

[steve-s]

anyother suggestions would help.

I would actually suggest you put together a bit of an "overall" plan for your set up and post a new thread. Then you could get better suggestions rather than "piece mealing"

Cheers
Steve

 

[Rsquared333]

thanks for the suggestion. that is basically what I have been doing "piece mealing". I will get things toget her than put it all in one post.