What pump do i need?

[Ross1775]

Hello there!

I am running a 75 gallon set up and just finished building my DIY sump. I just ordered the EShops PF 800 overflow box for the back of the tank and am wondering what kind of pump i need to run for the return pump. Can i just grab one from Lowes or does it have to be something special?

Thanks for the help guys.

[johnsutter71]

your gonna want to run a 3/4" return line. You overflow states it will run at 800 gph but I seem to remember some where along the line a 1" ISD gravity fed tube actually drains at 600 gph. Either way I used the same over flow box in the past and used a mag 9.5 pump for return. You will want to add a ball valve on that return so you can throttle your return flow. Also you might want to add a check valve on the return as well so in case you shut off your pump for maintenance you don't soak your floor. Pay attention to evaperation in your fuge. It's important to maintain proper water levels for your return section otherwise you could damage your return pump. I usually have to add at least a gallon a day to my 90 gallon with 29 gallon refugium. Also make sure your using RO water otherwise you'll get diatom's.

I forgot to add that mag 9.5's are rated at 950 gph but that's with 0 overhead. With 4 feet of overhead meaning the distance it travels from your fuge to the top of the tank it's rated at 800 gph but even that is probably a liberal estimate from the maker. I've been using the same mag 9.5 for a year and a half with minimal maintenance and I've never had any issues.

[Ross1775]

Wow.... Thats a lot! Thanks for the answer. I will be looking for a mag 9.5 pump and will definitely do that ball valve. I am going to have to do some research on the check valve, as i am not sure what it does or how it works.

Hope to start setting this up within the next week or two. Thanks for the help.

[johnsutter71]

Sorry about that. Here is a link at marine depot for the check valve. All the check valve does is prevent the water from reverse siphoning into the refugium if the power gets cut which could cause the water in your tank to cause a flood. I had a eshops overflow box do that to me in the past. Eshops does make good overflow boxes. If you ever have the oppertunity to drill your tank I'd highly reccomend it though. It's much more efficient and quieter.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Swing_Check_Valve_3_4_inch_Slip_x_3_4_inch_Slip_Sw ing_Check_Valves-Plumbing_Parts-FT8933-FIFTVLCV-FT8944-vi.html