Return pump for overflow

So, I have a Eshopps PF-1000 overflow.. It's a dual overflow box rated at 900 GPH... Anyone know if a Mag 9.5 is strong enough as a return pump.. From overflow to sump it's 4 feet.

 

With that pump and a height of about 4' you are going to loose some head pressure. You should be able to find out how much head pressure you would have with a 4' head height looking online. Mine is about the same and I use a mag12, that is what I would recommend for you. Im sure others may have a different veiw though.

 

It wouldn't matter if the pump only pumped 1gph (not that you'd want that)- as long as you don't exceed the 900gph rating of the overflow it will only drain as much as the pump pumps into the display tank. If you're going back over the top of the tank for the return make sure you put a siphon break hole on the return line so you don't siphon too much water and overflow your sump if you lose power or unplug the pump.

 

I have a similar duel overflow and I run a Mag 12 return punp. I also feed my skimmer from the return line and still use a ball valve to dial it back slightly.

 

i use a mag 9.5 for my dual returns on my 180 and its perfect

 

put a ballvalve or gatevalve on your pump so you can make sure to get enough pressure. Go big, it may be 20-30 dollars for the next size up but better than another 100-300 for a new pump because you need more flow ;-) I am gonna run a reactor and skimmer off mine

 

Here's a chart if you haven't found one already.

Danner Mag-Drive and Pondmaster Flow Chart

 

great! thanks for the replies. the return section will be 8" x 8.5"(in a 20l). I'm thinking the mag 9.5. But then if I split the line to have 2 returns going into the DT maybe a mag 12 would be better... Now I just have to make the decision.

 

I have the same overflow and a mag 9.5 and I have to turn it down!!

 

I see... Does the overflow make much noise?