This is good rationale. Gives you a little room for slow-downs or clogs.daveydoodle;3493718; said:
Overflow box to return pump gph ratio?
- Thread starter daveydoodle
- Start date
Okay...I picked up a used 55 gal today for a screaming deal with the intention of using it as my sump tank for the 180. But now two concerns arise; 1) When I picked this up, the person wanted rid of everything so he gave me the stand, filter, lights, pump, etc. everything but the heater. So Now I can't help but look at that tank and think "I could get another tank going since I already have everything I need". There's a multitude of things I could do with this- mainly MORE FISH!! and concern #2) Are we sure this tank isn't too large for a sump tank for a 180 gal? Or am I just mentally stuck on concern #1, and looking for an excuse?
I've realized I have a sickness.....
I've realized I have a sickness.....
A 55 might be a bit on the big size, but there's not many options between 29Gs and 55s.
You might be able to get away with a 29, preferably 30 long.
You might be able to get away with a 29, preferably 30 long.
Any other thoughts on whether I can effectively run a sump tank for a 180 gallon with smaller than a 55 gallon? I have a 20L which is 30 x 12.5 x 13 tall, and as Pharoah said, there isn't much between that and a 55. Even a 29L is only 4 inches taller than the 20L. The overflow boxes are (2) 600 gph boxes (each has a single 1" out) and the return pump is a 1200 gph (approx. 950 gph @ 4' head height). Can a 20L work if I do not include a refugium, just filter chambers? or am risking overflow from the sump tank?
I know this is really old, but I need to ask... I have a tank with built in overflow and i do not know what the GPH on the overflow is. What pump do I get? I have a 360 gallons with 2 overfllows in each side and the overflow rims are about 2 inches from top of tank.
How much turnover do you want to achieve? What type and size drain pipes are being used in the overflows? Will you be using a sump?
Unless you purchased an off the shelf overflow, it may be hard to get a number. But tell us more what you have for plumbing and filtration and folks can provide some options.
Generally, you can safely use a ball valve to adjust flow return flow. Else DC pumps with controllers are good options.
Unless you purchased an off the shelf overflow, it may be hard to get a number. But tell us more what you have for plumbing and filtration and folks can provide some options.
Generally, you can safely use a ball valve to adjust flow return flow. Else DC pumps with controllers are good options.
There is no such thing as "too big a sump"
I had a 55 gallon tank outside, and used a 1700 gallon pond as sump.
On its own the tank would overheat from the sun, but the large volume of the pond as a sump, kept the tank stabile.
I also tend to use 75 gal tanks inside as sumps, on any size tank, be it a 20 gallon or 150 gallon.
As far as overflow boxes, 2 is fine, and you will need 2 because if one can't handle the amount the pump pumps, your screwed (water on the floor) But with 2 boxes rated at 600 each you should be fine. Your pump pumps up and water falls by gravity to the sump, in the end it all works as a loop. And a little extra headroom is always good, just in case 1 J tube out of 4 gets plugged up.
I had a 55 gallon tank outside, and used a 1700 gallon pond as sump.
On its own the tank would overheat from the sun, but the large volume of the pond as a sump, kept the tank stabile.
I also tend to use 75 gal tanks inside as sumps, on any size tank, be it a 20 gallon or 150 gallon.
As far as overflow boxes, 2 is fine, and you will need 2 because if one can't handle the amount the pump pumps, your screwed (water on the floor) But with 2 boxes rated at 600 each you should be fine. Your pump pumps up and water falls by gravity to the sump, in the end it all works as a loop. And a little extra headroom is always good, just in case 1 J tube out of 4 gets plugged up.
Last edited:
