Canisters onto overflow?

[sincebeen]

The biggest problem I'm facing is that there is two overflows so getting the flow rate even in both overflows seem to be a pain in the ass with one pump

You're way over thinking that one dude.

One pump is fine. Getting the flow rate even in both overflows doesn't matter, especially since they're both right next to each other. As long as the two pipes are big enough to handle the total water returned by the return pump, you're fine. You will need to keep feeding it water for the first few minutes of start up.


Also, since your sump feed appears to be in the center of the main tank, if you return the water to the main tank on the left, have a circulation pump in the main tank on the right. This will ensure all of the water is being filtered.

 

[johnnytaboo]

I toyed with this problem too. I was initially planning on running (2) return pumps: 1 for each return line. Instead, I went with 1 larger pump, and I'm looking to buy a second as a backup since I am so pleased with this one.

The sump I purchased had two intake lines. I simply T-ed the return line from the pump.

Perhaps if you posted a picture or two of the sump he's selling it would help. Or do you know the model?

 

[brich999]

u wouldnt need to worry about flow through each unless u tried to run 2 seperate sumps which would be foolish. sump definately has advantages as do canisters. i just sold the sump off my 150g cuz i was tired of how quick it would go from good water level to sucking in air but that was only cuz i had a tiny sump for a big tank. all in all i wouldnt bother with a sump unless it was 200+ gallons cuz i think canisters work well on tanks within reason. just my opnion.

 

[Jc1119]

You're way over thinking that one dude.

One pump is fine. Getting the flow rate even in both overflows doesn't matter, especially since they're both right next to each other. As long as the two pipes are big enough to handle the total water returned by the return pump, you're fine. You will need to keep feeding it water for the first few minutes of start up.


Also, since your sump feed appears to be in the center of the main tank, if you return the water to the main tank on the left, have a circulation pump in the main tank on the right. This will ensure all of the water is being filtered.

You might not want to base the flow off what both pipes can handle together. One pipe gets clogged and you'll have a flood. I'd size the drains so that at full siphon (fully submerged standpipe) will handle the flow by itself and the other line is a dedicated emergency drain. Run your returns back up over the back wall of the tank.

Check out "Herbie" overflows to see what Im talking about.......

http://allan.holmstadt.com/images/reef/herbie.gif

 

[sincebeen]

You might not want to base the flow off what both pipes can handle together. One pipe gets clogged and you'll have a flood. I'd size the drains so that at full siphon (fully submerged standpipe) will handle the flow by itself and the other line is a dedicated emergency drain. Run your returns back up over the back wall of the tank.

Check out "Herbie" overflows to see what Im talking about.......

[

I agree that any sump feed pipe shouldn't be used to max capacity, but this has to do with the gurgling sound caused by a maxed out pipe (like when dumping out a 2 liter bottle).

That said, the type of turn over required for a 155 IMO will require both of the feed pipes on this setup (they don't look any bigger than 1" to me).

In any case no pipe should ever have the risk of clogging:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527161


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[mattstevens1]

You're way over thinking that one dude.

One pump is fine. Getting the flow rate even in both overflows doesn't matter, especially since they're both right next to each other. As long as the two pipes are big enough to handle the total water returned by the return pump, you're fine. You will need to keep feeding it water for the first few minutes of start up.


Also, since your sump feed appears to be in the center of the main tank, if you return the water to the main tank on the left, have a circulation pump in the main tank on the right. This will ensure all of the water is being filtered.

It's a 6 foot tank. They are both located at probably a foot in from the ends of the tank. so they are like 2 feet apart from each other. So the first overflow will be right above the pump but to Tee if off the second one would be a couple feet away so wouldn't the flow rate be a lot different? thinking of running like a Mag 13 pump or so. Have to figure it's about 155 gallon tank with a 75g sump aprox. so with everything in it lets say it's about 220 gallons of water total. Would like to aim for around 2000 gph turnover rate

 

[sincebeen]

u wouldnt need to worry about flow through each unless u tried to run 2 seperate sumps which would be foolish. sump definately has advantages as do canisters. i just sold the sump off my 150g cuz i was tired of how quick it would go from good water level to sucking in air but that was only cuz i had a tiny sump for a big tank. all in all i wouldnt bother with a sump unless it was 200+ gallons cuz i think canisters work well on tanks within reason. just my opnion.

This is wrong since, before factoring head loss, two Mag 2 pumps will pump as much as one Mag 5, etc.

You can run as many or as few pumps as you want in order to achieve the proper turn over rate. The limitation is how much the sump feed pipes can handle.


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[sincebeen]

It's a 6 foot tank. They are both located at probably a foot in from the ends of the tank. so they are like 2 feet apart from each other. So the first overflow will be right above the pump but to Tee if off the second one would be a couple feet away so wouldn't the flow rate be a lot different? thinking of running like a Mag 13 pump or so. Have to figure it's about 155 gallon tank with a 75g sump aprox. so with everything in it lets say it's about 220 gallons of water total. Would like to aim for around 2000 gph turnover rate

Then the picture was deceiving. So you have 2 overflows which is good news.

are there 4 sump feed pipes? Or is it 2 feed and 2 return?

Post a picture of the top of the overflow.

You're going to have at least 4-5 feet of vertical head loss, which may require 2 nice sized pumps for 2000gph. More importantly, you need to determine if your overflow can handle that rate.


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[brich999]

he was asking about equilizing flow through the overflows to get them to the same rate. that is unnecessary unless you are really maxing it out. ex: overflow A flows 1000gph and overflow B does 900gph you wont have an issue. if you had them plumbed to individual sumps, you would have a nightmare.

 

[mattstevens1]

Then the picture was deceiving. So you have 2 overflows which is good news.

are there 4 sump feed pipes? Or is it 2 feed and 2 return?

Post a picture of the top of the overflow.

You're going to have at least 4-5 feet of vertical head loss, which may require 2 nice sized pumps for 2000gph. More importantly, you need to determine if your overflow can handle that rate.


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I'll go outside and see if I can grab a picture. The tank is upside down in my garage and it's kind of dark so it might be hard