Determining Appropriate Return Pump

uscreef · 02/23/2010, 12:11 AM

Hey,

I'm trying to figure out how to determine which pump/gph I need to ensure a constant water level in my sump in my new system without worrying about it dry or overflowing. This may be a moot point/stupid question given propsed system specs, but I had a 40 breeder setup with an HOB overflow and could never get the sump water level constant. My new (proposed) setup is a drilled overflow w/ durso 20L with a 10 gallon sump, separated by about 3' of elevation. I think the drilled overflow should make it function properly regardless of return pump, but want to check... Dont want the person below me wondering why it's raining...

Thanks!

Ryan

Henry Bowman · 02/23/2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uscreef

Hey,

My new (proposed) setup is a drilled overflow w/ durso 20L with a 10 gallon sump, separated by about 3' of elevation. I think the drilled overflow should make it function properly regardless of return pump, but want to check... Dont want the person below me wondering why it's raining...

Thanks!

Ryan

As long as you get a pump rated BELOW the rating for the overflow you should be fine. For that size set-up, I'd shoot for 250-300 gph and use a durso that is 3/4" ID from the tank to the sump.

kimber45 · 02/23/2010, 10:58 AM

the only way i know is through the use of ato's.

your sump is always going to show fluctuation from evaporation and anything else that may pull water out such as skimmers.

the overflow in your tank should keep the display tank constant unless something isn't set up right such as to large of return for your overflow or something else such as blockage.

you can put dividers in your sump to maintain a constant level in one part of the sump but your always going to have one area show fluctuations.

02/23/2010, 12:11 AM	#1
uscreef Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 56	Determining Appropriate Return Pump Hey, I'm trying to figure out how to determine which pump/gph I need to ensure a constant water level in my sump in my new system without worrying about it dry or overflowing. This may be a moot point/stupid question given propsed system specs, but I had a 40 breeder setup with an HOB overflow and could never get the sump water level constant. My new (proposed) setup is a drilled overflow w/ durso 20L with a 10 gallon sump, separated by about 3' of elevation. I think the drilled overflow should make it function properly regardless of return pump, but want to check... Dont want the person below me wondering why it's raining... Thanks! Ryan

02/23/2010, 10:58 AM	#3
kimber45 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: michigan Posts: 455	the only way i know is through the use of ato's. your sump is always going to show fluctuation from evaporation and anything else that may pull water out such as skimmers. the overflow in your tank should keep the display tank constant unless something isn't set up right such as to large of return for your overflow or something else such as blockage. you can put dividers in your sump to maintain a constant level in one part of the sump but your always going to have one area show fluctuations.