water turn over

xsdbs

xsdbs

AC Members
Oct 16, 2006
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I was talking to a person at a lfs that I have not ever been to before about water turnover rate and he said that powerheads dont really count for "turn over rate" that the turn over is done when the water is ran thru a sump and returned to the main tank. Is this correct? :confused::confused::confused:
 
Not really. Technically, any sort of volume that is moved (or fluxed) per unit of time is considered a turnover rate. What your LFS is defining is a sump turnover rate. Most speak in terms of supplementary turnover (like powerheads or a closed loop) or total turnover (the former plus any sump turnover). It is a loose term overall, so you can't pin it so easily.
 
so then I should still plan on using a smaller pump on my return from my sump and use my larger pump as a CL like we have talked about in a prior thread. I have plans on doing this project this weekend. ( I know I have been saying that for the last couple weekends but I have had some issues come up ) Thanks
 
Exactly. Keep doing as you have planned. You're already on the right track. You don't want to push that much water through your sump.
 
Theoretical description. If you have a 600gph pump on a 100 gallon tank then in theory, the water is being turned over 6 times an hour regardless if it is a sump, HOB, HOT, etc.
 
it really depends on WHY you are defining GPH and turnover...

for example.. in a saltwater tank with liverock-- all of the turnover is taken into account because it all assists in moving the water through the liverock (filter). so sump return, powerheads, closed loop... EVERYTHING is considered turnover

whereas in a freshwater tank.. the filter is external-- so "turnover" in this type of tank is defined by how much water is being filtered per hour.
 
thanks everyone, I appreciate the help and this is why I come to this forum. It does get confusing at times. When I was growing up dad always said if want something done correctly have a person that does it for a living. Problem is that in this hobby I find that if I go to a half dozen different stores I can get a half dozen different ideas then I'm even more :confused::confused::confused::confused:. Thanks again for your help and experiance.
Robert
 
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