[adviner]

Does anyone have an idea on what size pump is needed to feed water in a recirculating protein skimmer? For example will a mag 5 be adequate to feed water from the sump to the skimmer? I'm not talking about the actual needle wheel pump used to recirculate the skimmer but the pump that puts the water in the skimmer from the sump? My tank is 90 gallon and i got a 24" by 4" diy recirculating skimmer for free. Its complete minus the pump to pump water into it. I know you can feed water into from the overflow but rather just use another pump.

Thanks

[Henry Bowman]

Your info says you have a 50 gallon tank. Your skimmer should turn over water 4 times or so per hour. So 200 gph will probably do it. Too much flow and you lose contact time and reduce skimming efficiency.

My .02 cents FWIW

[adviner]

Thanks this is for my new 90 gallon tank i just got. So does that mean I should get a pump that is does 360 gph? If i look at the mag drive the closest is mag 3 at 350 gph, is that ok or should i move up to mag 5 which is 500 which may be to much.

[Henry Bowman]

If I was purchasing, I'd recomend the 350. I believe that the contact time is important. The theory here is that the more even flow and the better the contact time, the more protein can be skimmed. Pushing water too fast will lessen the contact time.

I am reviewing your post and realizing that it is a recirc pump. 350 gph should be fine. The overflow is usually recomended since "most" overflows skim the surface of the tank where many of the DOC's are located. I would do all that I could to ensure the skimmer was close to where the water is entering the sump, the water level stays constant and as calm as possible for that area.

My tank turnover through the sump is only 400 gph for my 90I create flow through Tunze PH's and maxi mods.

So much for my soapbox speech.

I hope this information helps. Others may have differing opinions.

[adviner]

Not at all. I really appreciate the information. It helps me get a better idea on how to properly setup my tank.

So again Thank You

[AquaKeepers]

I follow the 3x's total water volume rule of thumb. I have a 55g and use this pump to feed my skimmer:

Mini-Jet Pumps Model 606
High performance submersible aquarium pump Multipurpose adjustable pump perfect for freshwater or marine use Pump motor's self-protected against overheating These high performance miniature pumps are ideal for providing circulation in aquariums and terrariums, powering small fountains, and creating water currents in reef aquariums. Since they're completely submersible, they're ideal for small compartments like sumps or reservoirs. Adjustable flow rate for versatile applications. 1-1/2" x 2-3/8" x 2-1/4" high. UL-Listed. 1/2" outlet.

Aquarium Water Pumps & Powerheads: UL-Listed Mini•Jet Pumps

[Lightsluvr]

Originally Posted by adviner

Does anyone have an idea on what size pump is needed to feed water in a recirculating protein skimmer? For example will a mag 5 be adequate to feed water from the sump to the skimmer? I'm not talking about the actual needle wheel pump used to recirculate the skimmer but the pump that puts the water in the skimmer from the sump? My tank is 90 gallon and i got a 24" by 4" diy recirculating skimmer for free. Its complete minus the pump to pump water into it. I know you can feed water into from the overflow but rather just use another pump.

Thanks

You've probably already made your purchase, but if not:

I have owned four different recirculating skimmers... all of the manufacturers recommended a feed pump that is approximately 1.5 times the toal volume of your system. In other words, if your tank and sump total 100G, you would want a pump rated at 150Gph. I always allowed for some head loss, so in your case I would have recommended something in the 200gph range - more along he lines of a Mag2 or a Maxijet 1200.

Four times tank volume is too much pump for a recirculating skimmer, IMO. Don't confuse desired flow in your tank with the needs of a skimmer in order to operate efficiently. Blowing water through the skimmer at too high a rate makes it difficult to control and inefficient.

LL

[AquaKeepers]

Lightsluvr, do you think I should turn my mini jet down? It has adjustable flow between 84 - 160 gph. I set it at full gph now.

[Lightsluvr]

Naah, if it's working for you, I wouldn't worry abbout it. With a mini-pump, you're expereincing head loss anyway. Sounds like a good choice for your system size...and draws negligble power...

LL

[AquaKeepers]

That's what I figured.
Let me ask if you or anyone else believes that too much dwell time is an issue.

[Lightsluvr]

Too little dwell time is an issue... too much dwell time? Can't say I've ever heard of that problem...

LL