I sized my pump to go up from the basement sump to the display tank and be just a bit below the 1200 GPH return capacity on the DT and provide 90 GPH to the 20 gallon fuge. The DT is a 90 gallon AGA tech tank. Plan is for a community tank.
After buying the pump I'm realizing that the (4) 3/4" lines from the supply line will each be delivering 270 GPH or 4.5 GPM. From a 0.75" dia that equates to a velocity of about 40 inches per second at the exit.
Is that too fast? My gut feel is that it is. I guess my options are to -
a.)leave it alone
b.)split the supply into more lines
c.)restrict the pump output
d.)get a smaller pump
I also have (3) Koralia 2 power heads that I am going to hook up to a controller.
What do you all think? I'm leaning towards splitting it up more and/or getting a smaller pump.
I would leave it alone. I don't think you have too much flow. You are going to have some head loss and loss just because it runs through pipe and fittings.
Most aquarium "design" actually turns out to be a lot of trial and error. If the flow is too great, it's easy enough to add additional valves to control flow or balance.
4.5 gpm from a 3/4" line is not as much as is sounds. Remember that the tank water is stagnant, and will resist the flow which will cause it to slow tremendously.
I have heard great things about the Korallia pumps, but I have no experience with them. I think you should be fine.
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Flow Volume vs. Velocity
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