Return Pump Problem/Question

[ddowns]

I have a 110gallon High tank. My tank is high but the pump doesnt seem to be strong enough. I have Mag 7 pump with a Octopus NW 200 skimmer. I know people recommended the Mag 7 but I think no one new that my tank. That may be good for the regular sized 110 but I am looking for any suggestions. My tank dimensions are 4ft long, 30 high, & 18in wide. Please advise.

Thank you

 

[drnecropolis]

Is the pump feeding the skimmer and acting as the return? Like pumping into the skimmer and going from the skimmer to the tank? Or is the Mag just the return..

 

[ddowns]

The skimmer has its own pump.. the water comes down into the sump directly in the skimmer section then flows over to the middle chamber of the sump and then over into the return pump chamber and then back up into the tank. i hope I am explaining it ok.

 

[drnecropolis]

Ok.. I was just making sure you were not feeding the skimmer then trying to return to the tank after that with 1 pump..

Hmm it should be more than enough.. The water from the return doesnt have to be blasting from the returns... Flow is what powerheads are made for..

 

[ddowns]

Ok, Thank You

 

[weaglereefer]

Well, I mean a 110 is going to be around 27" tall, add the stand height and you're at 57".

You can go here and figure out pretty close to what your flow is. Remember all bends and pipe size will have an impact on flow.

 

[kirru]

I gots a Mag7 on my 40breeder and it is goin up 4 feet, through 3 90* elbows and out, .75 flex tubing as well... i get, from the calculator, 411gph. granted mine isn't at 57" but still, just a comparison.

 

[ddowns]

I will look into it. My 110 is 30in high with out the stand. I do have some pipes ran underneath which are pretty much straight forward.

 

[ddowns]

Whats a better pump than Mag 7 that you would recommend?

 

[weaglereefer]

Eheim 1262

 

[ddowns]

Do you know a local vendor that sales that model?

 

[weaglereefer]

Not really (I'm not local) but I'd be willing to bet Tim at Keen Reef can get it for ya.

 

[drnecropolis]

I still think the Mag 7 is fine for the return.. I just cant see where it would be failing..Slower flow through the sump is ideal..

 

[acroholic]

A Mag 7 has 1/2" in/out fittings. What is the inside diameter of the return plumbing? If it is 1/2", you should consider upsizing the ID of the return plumbing to 1" or at least 3/4". You should see a significant increase in flow if this is the case.

Mag 12s have 3/4" in/out fittings, and they recommend 1 1/2" ID return plumbing for maximum flow.