My first DIY Overflow/Sump..questions

[Ficious]

So Ive decided to build my first overflow and sump. It will be going on a 55 gallon. I pretty much understand the whole idea but have questions about some things. This is where google fails and places like MFK really help.

Im using these specs that I found in the sticky http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219465



Can anyone please answer a few questions for me to make this a lot smoother?


1. For the overflow, does the long pipe on the back part that goes straight up need to be plugged? This is where the water is poured in correct?

2. What size water pump do I use for the return line? Just a good pond pump? what GPH should I look for?

3. Ill be using 1 inch pvc...how do I find a blanance so one end doesnt run out of water before the other? (in the sump) This depends on how powerful the pump is correct??



Please help me understand a few things and I think Ill be ready for my build!

thanks, mike

 

[Pharaoh]

The overflow will only flow the amount of water that is put into the tank. 1" PVC will flow approximately 600gph or a little less after all the turns and such are figured into the equation. So you would be looking at a pump that puts out about 600-700gph (before head height is figured).

I do not fully understand your first question. Could you please re-phrase or post a picture of what exactly you are interested in understanding. If you you are referring to the vent tube on the outside of the tank, then it will be capped and will have a small vent hole to allow are to enter.

BTW, as a side note, I recommend that you build a second overflow to use in case the first one gets clogged.

 

[Ficious]

Thanks for taking the time to help with my questions! If you open the link in the first post it will show the parts labeled. The part I was talking about in my first question is labeled as C. From what i understtand, water is poured down it to help prime the siphon? after adding the water here (if im even correct) do you put a cap on it?

As for making another overflow in case the first one clogs...Im going to hopefuly put the intake in a place where it wont be clogged so easily..and will be putting some netting over it so nothing big can get through.


Can someone please give me an idea about what the "head" is? i believe Its how much gph can be pushed up so many feet to the oulet of the sump, correct?

 

[Pharaoh]

Thanks for taking the time to help with my questions! If you open the link in the first post it will show the parts labeled. The part I was talking about in my first question is labeled as C. From what i understtand, water is poured down it to help prime the siphon? after adding the water here (if im even correct) do you put a cap on it?

As for making another overflow in case the first one clogs...Im going to hopefuly put the intake in a place where it wont be clogged so easily..and will be putting some netting over it so nothing big can get through.


Can someone please give me an idea about what the "head" is? i believe Its how much gph can be pushed up so many feet to the outlet of the sump, correct?

To get a siphon, you have to have water on both sides to that you can ull out the air. That is the only reason you would add water. Then you would cap it and put a hole in the cap to reduce noise but still let in a bit of air.


You are correct about head height. Each pump will have specifics regarding how much water it can flow at various head heights. This would be the measurement from the pump to the top of the tank.