Question about pump purchase....

I am needing a pump for a 120 gallon aquarium and I need it to be powerful enough so that I won't have to buy another one later but also keep in mind I'm not wanting to waste money either. lol. This is a tank that is not set up yet but I am wanting to put fish and reef in it. One lfs is suggesting I get one that pumps 1400-1500 gallons per hour and I don't know the price or brand but I'm sure it's ridiculous just like all his other equpiment prices; he is going to call me and let me know today..... and the other lfs suggests a GenX that pumps 1800-2000 gallons per hour and the cost is $120. Is this a good deal? This store usually has good prices but has other issues. lol. Do I need a better brand? Does it matter if it's internal or external? I think he may have said it's internal but I can't remember. How many gph do you suggest and what are your thoughts on this? Also, the lfs with high prices says the GenX only has 6000 which pumps 1600 and a 8500 that pumps 2250 and said the 8500 was probably what the other lfs store was talking about and his price is $199.00. He said this pump can be used as internal or external but he would use it internally because he would be afraid of it overheating ?? Any thoughts and suggestions on this would be GREAT.
Thanks.


2 internal overflows
30-40 gallon sump
probably going to do a fuge (macro algae and rock in sump)

 

Some of this will depend on what the head will be on the pump (determined by figuring out how high you will be pushing the water from the sump back to the tank & add 1 foot for every 90 degree bend). So if you have a vertical distance of 4 feet & 2-90 degree bends, your head is 6 ft. You need to check the chart the manufacturer puts out for the pump to determine what volume it will have at that head.
Internal pumps can add heat to your system just as high wattage phs can.

 

You are better off going bigger then smaller here and this way you can tee off of your pump for other things in the future like reactors.
For the time being if your pump has to much flow you can bleed it back to the sump.
Oh and I see that you want to run your sump as a fuge I think here you might not want to do that just yet as it will recive to much flow maybee a wet/dry will be better and then incorperate a fuge into the system later as these have a much lower flow rate.

 

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48X24X25 - from the top of the tank to the bottom of the stand is almost 54 inches.
I was told the next piece of equipment to buy after the tank would be the pump so I'm just assuming this is for the water that goes from the tank to the sump and back to the tank again. Here's 2 pics of the tank and the holes that are almost as big as a tennis ball. There is a plastic "box like thing" on both sides for the internal overflows each with two holes. ...just thought this info might be helpful.

 

I'm trying to understand, Glampka. This is the problem with getting answers on this forum....everyone is so intelligent it is hard to decipher exactly what is being said. lol. Are you talking about the dimensions of my tank? Do you think this info of the head on the pump would be online? I have been trying to find it. What is high wattage phs? powerheads? I have decided not to use a wet/dry so what would you suggest knowing this info?

 

OK nice tennis ball reference they will be smaller once you put the fittings in them.
With four it should alow you to the freemdom to plumb your tank a multitude of ways.
Yes the pump is next but maybee you need to decide befor you buy the pump just how you would like to set up the system.
I need it to be powerful enough so that I won't have to buy another one later but also keep in mind I'm not wanting to waste money either. lol. This is a tank that is not set up yet but I am wanting to put fish and reef in it.
What skimmer will you run do you know how big this will be? it should sit in your sump and take as much of your return water as possible if not all.
I hope this helps a bit to you

 

I'm talking about the distance from where the pump will be placed to the top edge of where the water has to go (No doubt the top of the tank). You'll have to measure that once you have the tank on its' stand or wherever it is going to be set up.
ph = powerhead High wattage phs are those using 20 Watts or so like the MaxiJet 1200. Go to the website of the manufacturer of the pump. They should have a chart that shows the output of the pump at various head heights.

 

I don't know what skimmer to get. ...that was actually going to be the next question after I bought the pump. lol. I don't know "how I'm going to set it up". I don't really even understand the question. I'm sorry you guys that I'm so ignorant. lol. I've read myself blue in the face for months and I know alot but when you guys start talking I feel like I know nothing. LOL. From the top of the tank to the bottom of the stand is almost 54 inches. I can't find a manufacturer's site. I'm still going to keep looking tho. Thanks.

 

If you want to use your sump as a fuge the flow has to be much less then what you want your display tanks turnover which is around 10x. so maybe you will have to just use a sump for your skimmer,heater and pump?
This is why I suggested a wet/dry you could DIY one maybee;D
check this link out. for the gen x pump I would recoment the GX8500
Aquarium lighting, aquarium filters, protein skimmers, aquarium pumps, aquarium products
GX8500

Gen-X submersible pump

2249 GPH
16.4ft maximum lift
UL approved
Ceramic shaft, adjustable flow. 33' cord
1 year guarantee against manufacturer defects.
3/4", 1", 1/14" ID Hose fittings included.
Power Consumption 230 Watts
1900 GPH at 3" Head.
1750 GPH at 5' Head this will decrease a bit when you put your 90degrees fittings for the return to tank.
PSI rating 7.82

 

I'm going to put macro algae and rock in the sump eventually.