stacked 55g plumbing

[jpond83]

i have 2 55g aquariums stacked. i was wanting to redo the plumbing because it was used when i got it and just doesnt look safe. the way it was setup when i got it was each aquarium drained into 2 different 10g aquariums with mag 5's for the return pumps i currently have the top tank draining into the bottom tank and the bottom tank draining into the sump and one mag 5 returning it. does that seem like a good setup is the pump enough? all the drains are 1" pvc and the return is 3/4 flexible hose.

[txg8gxp]

The only issues I see is the bottom tank is always going to get dirty water form the upper tanks, and I think a mag 5 is alittle weak for 100g. But this is a different setup, If you have the pump already I would try it atleast to get an idea of the flow needed. I have a mag 7 for a 45g, and I like the flow. So a mag 5 on 2-55g, I think it will be weak. Just my 2 cents, Stephen.

[RayAllen]

I agree that a mag 5 is not strong enough. You have to think about the distance the water must travel to get to the top tank. You will only have 250gph at 5' high.

Check out the specs on the pumps and it will give you a idea
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?category=Danner_Mag_Drive_Supreme _5_500_GPH_Water_Pump_500_to_1000_Gallons_Per_Hour _Submersible_Water_Pumps&vendor=Danner_Mfg.&idProduct=DN1111&IdCategory=FIWPSBFT&child=DN1123&tab=1&size=5%20(500%20gph)

Id use a mag 12 minimum if its meant to run both tanks.

[jpond83]

cool thanks i was wondering about the pump