Over flow and pump question.

[brandonN]

So I am making an overflow and sump and have two questions. 1.how much gallons per hour should my pump be? (it's a 125 gal tank) 2.is it better for the pump or the overflow have more flow rate? Thanks


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[flowingmotion]

You should have 3-5 times the total system volume going through the sump. Get a pump that will come close to that and make sure your overflow can handle it. If you want to run other equipment off the return pump or add a refugium or something you may need a slightly bigger pump. The rest of your tank flow should come from powerheads.


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[brandonN]

Good info. Thanks for the help


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[aldiaz33]

If your pump pushes more GPH than your overflow can handles, the pump will suck your sump dry and potentially flood your display tank. Your overflows have to be able to handle more flow than your pump, otherwise you are going to run into problems.

In other words, your overflows will determine the maximum GPH you can run. What size are your overflow drains?

 

[brandonN]

Well, based on urajoey and previous information I need 375-625 gph and 1" piping will give me about 375 gph and 1.5" 840 gph. so was thinking 1.5" with a pump less than 840 gph


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[jcardona1]

Well, based on urajoey and previous information I need 375-625 gph and 1" piping will give me about 375 gph and 1.5" 840 gph. so was thinking 1.5" with a pump less than 840 gph


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1.5" piping is utter overkill. I used a single 1.5" drain with a 3400gph pump.

 

[brandonN]

1.5" piping is utter overkill. I used a single 1.5" drain with a 3400gph pump.

So you're saying I should use 1" piping


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[Tyler2012]

If jcardona1 used 1.5 for 3400gph, and you want 625 , then in proportion you need .25" pipe. But I'd go with .5" inch pipe because I don't think they make quarter inch pipe.


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[aldiaz33]

So you're saying I should use 1" piping


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There's nothing wrong with oversizing your drain. In fact, it's a good idea to do so.

A 1" drain can handle around 600GPH.
A 1.5" drain can handle around 1,300GPH.

Check out this drain size calculator: http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/drainoverflow-size-calc

 

[Exotic Aquatics LLC]

u got the idea aldiaz33... drain should be able to handle alot more then what u give it.. just for safety.. lol