gph rate?

[Thomas_Lay]

how much gph should i have for a 35 gallon reef tank?
would 700 gph work?
thanks
Thomas

 

[nonstophoops]

how much gph should i have for a 35 gallon reef tank?
would 700 gph work?
thanks
Thomas

That sounds about right, but it is all in how it is employed.

For example, 1 700 gph powerhead is not going to get the job done.

You want to create as much random flow as possible. Think 2 powerheads and the overflow return if you are doing a sump. If no sump, you may want to do 4 powerheads, or at least 2 powerheads and a hang on skimmer(add to the flow).

 

[Thomas_Lay]

That sounds about right, but it is all in how it is employed.

For example, 1 700 gph powerhead is not going to get the job done.

You want to create as much random flow as possible. Think 2 powerheads and the overflow return if you are doing a sump. If no sump, you may want to do 4 powerheads, or at least 2 powerheads and a hang on skimmer(add to the flow).

ok and yes im doing a sump for the tank, im planing on doing the beananimal overflow system and was wondering if you have an idea of how big should i make the overflow box?

 

[nonstophoops]

ok and yes im doing a sump for the tank, im planing on doing the beananimal overflow system and was wondering if you have an idea of how big should i make the overflow box?

Not sure exactly what you mean by how big....they usually run the length of the tank. The depth and width will depend on bulkhead size. I would recommend either 3/4" or 1"(if you want really good flow and not use powderheads). Then you will just have to get a pump that up to but not over the max flow of your overflow. You must account for head height, horizontal run, and any 90 degree turns in your plumbing as these slow down flow. The return plumbing can be done in a way that it returns water to multiple places in the tank and in multiple directions. That could make the powerheads unnecessary if done right.

 

[Thomas_Lay]

Not sure exactly what you mean by how big....they usually run the length of the tank. The depth and width will depend on bulkhead size. I would recommend either 3/4" or 1"(if you want really good flow and not use powderheads). Then you will just have to get a pump that up to but not over the max flow of your overflow. You must account for head height, horizontal run, and any 90 degree turns in your plumbing as these slow down flow. The return plumbing can be done in a way that it returns water to multiple places in the tank and in multiple directions. That could make the powerheads unnecessary if done right.

ok and what i meant was how long and how deep should i make the overflow