overflow/return questions

brian762 · 03/14/2011, 12:56 PM

I have a few questions just to re-assure myself that I won’t have a catastrophe on my hands when I turn my sump on for the first time. I have a 55 gal undrilled tank, 10 gal sump, a Mag 5 return with a ball valve, and an overflow rated at 600gph. A few questions on my set up before it start setting it up:

•Do you see any issues with the overflow and return choices? Head loss in my setup will be around 350 GPH

•My overflow has a 1” pipe but my return is ¾”, should I reduce the overflow to 3/4” to match the return?

Thanks,
Brian

seapug · 03/14/2011, 02:34 PM

You should be fine as is. Do not reduce the overflow size. It is impossible for water to drain faster than it is pumped into the tank, so wide, free flowing drains are the key to hassle free operation.

brian762 · 03/14/2011, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seapug

You should be fine as is. Do not reduce the overflow size. It is impossible for water to drain faster than it is pumped into the tank, so wide, free flowing drains are the key to hassle free operation.

Awesome! Thank you! i have been second guessing myself throughout the whole build because i do not want any catastrophes or the wife will not be to happy!

greech · 03/14/2011, 02:55 PM

Yep, no need to reduce drain. Return pump sounds just fine especially with the ball valve. The thing I noticed is the 10 gallon sump. Just test make sure the sump can handle the back-siphon flow from the disply when the return pump is shut off.

What kind of overflow are you using? U-tube siphon or something like a CPR which needs an aqualifter pump to maintain siphon?

mike5051 · 03/14/2011, 08:45 PM

1+ Checking that your sump can handle the return being shut off.

My 75G has a 1" drain with a 3/4" return with a mag 9.5. I didn't like the gurgling from my overflow so I adjust the drain volume with a ball valve to keep the overflow level above the drain pipe. My return stays open 100% always.

brian762 · 03/15/2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greech

Yep, no need to reduce drain. Return pump sounds just fine especially with the ball valve. The thing I noticed is the 10 gallon sump. Just test make sure the sump can handle the back-siphon flow from the disply when the return pump is shut off.

What kind of overflow are you using? U-tube siphon or something like a CPR which needs an aqualifter pump to maintain siphon?

It is a U-tube siphon.

Tankdiver83 · 03/15/2011, 10:27 AM

Leave the overflow 1" the water can not flow in faster than it can drain unless the pump has a higher output then the overflow box. Also you may want to attach a siphon pump on the overflow to keep water moving quickly. If you do this make sure to get a filter for the siphon pump, they clog easily. I usually have to replace mine every year. They cost about $15.00 to $20.00.

03/14/2011, 12:56 PM	#1
brian762 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 654	overflow/return questions I have a few questions just to re-assure myself that I won’t have a catastrophe on my hands when I turn my sump on for the first time. I have a 55 gal undrilled tank, 10 gal sump, a Mag 5 return with a ball valve, and an overflow rated at 600gph. A few questions on my set up before it start setting it up: •Do you see any issues with the overflow and return choices? Head loss in my setup will be around 350 GPH •My overflow has a 1” pipe but my return is ¾”, should I reduce the overflow to 3/4” to match the return? Thanks, Brian

03/14/2011, 02:34 PM	#2
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	You should be fine as is. Do not reduce the overflow size. It is impossible for water to drain faster than it is pumped into the tank, so wide, free flowing drains are the key to hassle free operation. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

03/14/2011, 02:55 PM	#4
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	Yep, no need to reduce drain. Return pump sounds just fine especially with the ball valve. The thing I noticed is the 10 gallon sump. Just test make sure the sump can handle the back-siphon flow from the disply when the return pump is shut off. What kind of overflow are you using? U-tube siphon or something like a CPR which needs an aqualifter pump to maintain siphon? __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

03/14/2011, 08:45 PM	#5
mike5051 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Orleans Posts: 162	1+ Checking that your sump can handle the return being shut off. My 75G has a 1" drain with a 3/4" return with a mag 9.5. I didn't like the gurgling from my overflow so I adjust the drain volume with a ball valve to keep the overflow level above the drain pipe. My return stays open 100% always. __________________ 75g Oceanic RR, 40 breeder sump/fuge. 130lbs LS, 50lbs base rock, 50lbs LR. Reef Octopus NWB 150 Skimmer, Mag 9.5 Return, 2 Koralia Evo 750s, 2 250w MH.

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03/15/2011, 10:27 AM	#7
Tankdiver83 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Mo. Posts: 29	Leave the overflow 1" the water can not flow in faster than it can drain unless the pump has a higher output then the overflow box. Also you may want to attach a siphon pump on the overflow to keep water moving quickly. If you do this make sure to get a filter for the siphon pump, they clog easily. I usually have to replace mine every year. They cost about $15.00 to $20.00.