Question on Sump pumps

[peterh]

Greetings all,

I am in the midst of trying to decide on the main pump I am going to use to run my sump. Tank wise I am going fairly large, 180 gallons and was considering the Little Giant 4MDQX-SC. This pump is readily available to me and I like the price I can get it for. I am not too concerned with any noise that may be emmitted from it so that will not be an issue. Anybody have any experience with this particular one. Or would I be better off with another.

Thanks

[Irisservice]

First off with a tank that large I would go with two pumps. Is the tank a Reef Ready tank? I am going to guess yes. With dual overflows and returns. If you like the Little Giant Pumps I would go with two smaller ones like the 3MDQX-SC that’s 2000 GPH at 3' with only 65 more watts than the Little Giant 4MDQX-SC.

[peterh]

Actually because of the intended location of the tank we are going with one overflow. So we have one corner of the tank drilled. But I am considering have the two pumps with one return going up the back of the tank at the other side. Just would like to be sure that the added flow would have enough of a benefit. And the tank is going to be reef ready

[Irisservice]

one return two pumps bad idea!!!
Two pumps with 2 or 4 seperate returns good idea.
You don't want two pumps at 1000 gallons an hour to goto the same pipe it would put to much load on them. This would make them run hot and use much more power and that means more money to run and more thermal shutdowns.

[peterh]

No no, Not what I was impling:) I was thinking one overflow going to the sump and two returns. One return would be the original one I had planned and the second would be a seperate pump and pipe routed to the other side of the tank. If that makes sense, I am curious if it would neccessary or if I should would be better off with the larger pump and one return. I am also open to another brand and pump suggestion too.

Thanks