Pump capacity for 4ft tank

**wks** · 4th Oct 2007, 12:19

Hi, I need the help of the experienced EOS tank users. My tank maker proposed to use the AQuabee 2000/1 pump for my new 4ftx1.5ftx2ft discus planted tank. According to the pump manufacturer, the flow rate is 2000l/h. Is this pump suitable for the job required?

I'm worried that there may not be sufficient filtration.

**bryan** · 4th Oct 2007, 12:29

If you are not comfortable with his selection, you could get slightly bigger pump and adjust the flow. Dymax does have one rated at 2500L/Hr.

**bossteck** · 4th Oct 2007, 13:36

Hi,

If I were you, I will trust the tank maker.

Stronger pump does not equal to better filtration in this case. If your pump is too strong, what is likely to happen is that it will suck your return chamber till the water level is very low, the pump will likely make noise or get lock. The rate at which water flows through your filtration chambers back to the return chamber does not depend on your return pump, instead, it is dependent on what sort of filter media you are using and how you arrange them.

If your return pump is strong, yet your sump is densely packed, 2 things may happen:
1) Water level in your main tank will be higher than expected
2) Your sump tank may overflow
and of course your return pump will take in air

If however you decide to get a strong pump 'just in case' then be sure to get your tank maker to install a control valve in the return pipes, so that you can control the rate of return.

Cheers!