appropriate size pump/overflow????

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T

Tskstorm

Candiru
MFK Member
Jul 12, 2011
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Pocono's
How can one figure out the proper size pump and proper size external overflow?

The overflow companies obviously state used for 125 gallons used for 500 gallons etc.... but as with most filter accessories I assume more is better? Can I just get a stronger pump and use a larger overflow ?

Does it depend on the size of the sump ?

I have a 180 glass 6x2x2 that I am trying to diy a sump for was thinking somewhere btwn a 30 gal and a 55 gal glass sump.

If anyone has suggestions much appreciated.
 
im sure others will chime in on the bio part of it but the height of your standpipes in your overflows is what will ultimately tell you the gallons of the sump. my 55 sump runs roughly 8 inches of water. the standpipes are 3 and 1/2 inches below the overflow water level in my display tank. electricity turned off and all overflow is drained, i have about 50 gallons in the sump.

i need to put a bigger pump in my sump so i can open teh drains fully but that is for the turnover rate, not the size of the sump tank.
 
Not an expert at all, but was thinking what if you just whent with the large overflow pipes and then just install valve before the pipe enters your sump. that way you can control & adjust flow.
 
Not an expert at all, but was thinking what if you just whent with the large overflow pipes and then just install valve before the pipe enters your sump. that way you can control & adjust flow.

Also you want to aim for 6 times turnover rate if I'm not mistaken and remember that the pump flow decreases with head. Your pumps head chart will probably be on the box or website so keep that in mind if your sump is on the ground.

In my opinion bigger is better in terms of the pump size, as long as your fish aren't affected e.g : too strong current for weak/slow swimming fish, in which case a spray bar might help reduce force.

As for the media and sump size, bigger is def better. Ultimately it all boils down to surface area of aerobic bacteria vs bio load of fish. I think sump size should be 1/2 tank size. As for the media, get as much as you can. Don't think there is any exact calculation for the amount. It depends on type of fish and the amount of fish as well as the amount of food e.g : RTC = big bioload ; big school of tetras = lower bioload. I guess i'ts just a hit and miss. The best way is to find out what works for others with similar setups and to check params regularly after the cycle
 
Good_Times said:
Not an expert at all, but was thinking what if you just whent with the large overflow pipes and then just install valve before the pipe enters your sump. that way you can control & adjust flow.
Click to expand...

I didnt think you could put a ball valve there, think it has to do with the causing of air bubbles and losing the siphon effect. I think you can only put a ball valve on the pump exit to tank only.
 
Tskstorm said:
Whats a standpipe ?? I was thinking of purchasing an eshopps pf 1200.
Click to expand...

the standpipe is the drain pipe in the overflows if your draining through a hole in the bottom of the tank. do a quick search of durso standpipe and youll get the idea.

goodtimes explained the bio part great in my opinion.

i got a ball valve on all 4 holes in my display tank, 2 drains and 2 returns. returns are full open and my drains are adjusted to the pump. if i had a bigger pump id open the drains more. ive never tested my gph, but there is a little current in the tank to move the smaller fish.
 
Oh okay, I googled, makes sense, but with an external overflow shouldn't need standpipes. I'm looking at a 1200gph pump and overflow. the mag 12 has a gph of 1120 @ 5 ft and 1130@4ft and I have about 52inches of head height without counting the pipe resistance, my math isn't good enough for that. lol ... Would this suffice?

Ball valves could be put on it but my plumbing knowledge is next to nothing. I'm hoping after I buy everything needed, to get more help before I try and plumb the sump.
 
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