Pump question

[CAReefer]

Hey fellow Zeoheads, couple quick questions. (see signature for tank specs) Replacing the Mak4 return pump that has run flawlessly for a year and a half. I just went to the panworld P100x-x pump. Trying to get a couple hundred more gph. Since I added the prop tank, the level in the display tank is 1/2" low due to water I diverted to the frag tank that returns to the sump. I need a pump of around 1500 gph. Most of the pumps I've seen at that flow rate are 150+ watts. My Mak4 at 1090 gph only draws 55 watts (at least that is what the specs show.) The Panworld is rated 1270 gph/130 watts, and doesn't appear to move any more water than the mak4. My question is, the mak used a 3/4" return and intake, the panworld is 1" in and out. I have 1" from the sump to the pump. If I removed the 3/4" return and rebuilt it with 1", would I gain much volume in the display? Keeping in mind the Pacific chiller is internally plumbed with 3/4" and all water currently runs through the chiller. If I divert only part of the return to the chiller, I can't supply the chiller with the minimum flow. I am also considering just adding another bulkhead to the sump, And using the mak4 to supply the chiller and frag tank, and the panworld to the display. What are your thoughts?

Marshal

[Aged Salt]

Marshal, I like the latter plan as it will inveritably add increased turn-over to your display tank compared to the former, & adding another pump to the bigger volume system, will increase water flow thru the frag system which will help stabilize the total system more easily. Bob

[CAReefer]

The biggest reason I didn't jump on that when I thought of it, was I would have to pull the water from the main area of the sump and not through the baffles. I haven't decided if this would be detrimental or not. One would think any bubbles from the skimmer and return system would be put into the frag tank and potentially have a large number of micro bubbles. IIRC, the consensus is these aren't healthy long term for SPS.

[Aged Salt]

Marshal, can you raise the water level in the sump to help disperse bubbles at the surface? Bob

[CAReefer]

Not really, my current skimmer (ER) works best at the 7" level I keep. I could probably get away with 1/2" or so. I am thinking since I changed the return plumbing and divert the majority through the first sump tank (fuge/prop) that this is where the bubbles are coming from, the skimmer doesn't seem to put out much in the way of bubbles. I will throw a filter sock on that output and see if it doesn't help.

[Aged Salt]

Elevate the skimmer & feeder pump :0 Bob

[CAReefer]

Nice thought, but a 31" skimmer in a 32" tall stand, doesn't leave much room for elevating. Once I get my BK300, I can rework the poorly designed baffle system in the main sump and hopefully help with the bubble problem. Currently, the footprint of my modified ER takes up pretty much the entire 24"x28" main sump section.