Return Pump Question

[Aquatic-Obsession]

Hey Guys,

I'm wondering if there is a problem with running a return pump rated lower than the draining capabilities of your overflows?

For example, if you have a 180 AGA tank with two overflows rated at 600 GPH each, and you run a Mag 9.5 rated at 950 gph at 0 head.

Will the return pump be struggling to keep up with the overflows so that the water level never reaches the top of the tank as with a pump that is matched to the tank?

I currently have a Mag 9.5 sitting around and wanted to use it on my tank but wasn't sure if I should be getting a larger pump?

 

[vamptrev]

ur pump should always be smaller. ur level should always stay at the around the level of ur overflow teeth.

 

[Aquatic-Obsession]

yes I agree, I'm just wondering if my overflows will lose their siphon waiting for the pump to be returning the water to the display tank.

I have no problem moving to a larger pump and just adding a t connector to move water back into the sump if i need to but I figure I have a mag 9.5 laying around if I could use it all the better .

 

[Dr Joe]

An overflow is exactly as its name implies, it just overflows what you pump into it.

When an overflow is rated @ 600gph, that's its maximum flow rate.

Dr Joe

.

 

[tunerX]

With HOB overflows you can have problems if you run too little of a flow and don't have a deep enough overflow. Air bubbles will collect in the top of the "U" and eventually break the siphon.

That is why someone invented the CPR type with an air lifter pump.

Drilled overflows shouldn't ever have this problem.

 

[Aquatic-Obsession]

Perfect, thanks for all your help guys, I just wanted to make sure that I could use this pump! Much appreciated

 

[Formula_JP]

That is why someone invented the CPR type with an air lifter pump.

can you explain further?

if you cant avoid using a overflow box, whats the best suggestions for avoiding this? just a deeper overflow box etc.

 

[Mr Cracker2u]

The CPR reference is to a small nipple at the top of the siphon U. You hook a small power head air injector line up to the nipple. It sucks the air out to miantian the siphon or restart it on power outage.