wet/dry plumbing questions... i'm lost!!!

[bitteraspects]

While I'm sure there is a point where waterflow will be too fast for bacteria to properly nitrify ammonia, there is nothing to prove that we are even close to reaching those flow rates in out home or commercial set ups. It is not uncommon for large tanks and pond set ups to run return pumps pushing thousands of gallons per hour, and all the while maintaining proper water parameters. This clearly shows that even at these high flow rates, the bacteria is still able to work efficiently and uninterrupted.
A higher turnover rate in your sump allows for better circulation and ultimately, better mechanic call filtration by allowing particles in the tank to be suspended long enough to be picked up by the overflow. While 5x turnover is surely enough to maintain water parameters, there are definite gains to using a higher flow rate on your return.
I had a small project tank that ran well over 50x turnover/hr and maintained perfect water parameters. While this is an extreme example, and not something that is generally practiced, it does show that even at higher turnover rates, nitrification is achieved just the same.
For marine tanks, 10x turnover/hr is generally recognized as the standard.

 

[KaiserSousay]

home depot isle that has sump pumps and get a roll of The corrigated black tubing. This will fit over your pvc with a little bit of effort. Its like $8 for 25 feet.

+1
Stuff works great.

your flow rate through the filter media is too fast then a lot of your nitrifying bacteria will be washed off and the sump filter will become inefficient.

Bacteria are pretty tough. They can hang on, in high flow conditions.
Have seen some argue that at high flow rates the bacteria do not have time to process the ammonia. I do not agree.
Each pass of the water brings food to the bacteria.
Slow flow would be like a big meal done in a single sitting.
High flow is like continual snacking.
I am sure there is a point where the amount of flow would degrade the process, but do not think we can get there with our aquariums.
Where high flow becomes an issue, is on the particulate removal at high flow rates.
Mechanical media would have to be set up to allow volume flow, while trapping enough waste so as not to clog the bio media.

 

[gangster]

thanks guys...i like the 8x turnover much more....now im gonna make a sump.

my thing is....i want to do sand in this tank but i wanna run my fx5 as well...gotta have a back up filter but how do i stop sand from gettn in the fx5?

 

[jcardona1]

just have your intake up a little higher mine is about half way down on the 400g, no sand in the canister

and yeah i have 8+x turnover on the 400g using a 3400gph pump. im sure my bacteria isnt getting "washed off" since water parameters are perfect

8x turnover may sound like a lot, but it will hardly cause a current in that big 180g. you want at least some kind of current to stir up debris and allow it to go into your filters

 

[lukester825]

I have been wanting to build a sump with an overflow box, but i have a question about flow rate.

Should the overflow rating equal to, less than, or greater than the return pump rating? or does it matter?

Will the overflow work if it flows directly into the sump, without all of the compllicated loops and bends?

 

[gangster]

i agree jose...w/ my fx5 it'll be bout 10x.

 

[jcardona1]

I have been wanting to build a sump with an overflow box, but i have a question about flow rate.

Should the overflow rating equal to, less than, or greater than the return pump rating? or does it matter?

Will the overflow work if it flows directly into the sump, without all of the compllicated loops and bends?

your overflow should be rated at equal to or greater than your pump rating. if its less, your overflow may have issues draining all the flow from your pump, causing it to backup and possibly spill over the top of the tank. NOT GOOD!

not sure what youre asking on the last question...

 

[lukester825]

thanks jc, for the last question i was referring to this:

 

[jcardona1]

ah thats for the DIY-style of overflow using PVC. if your using a standard overflow "BOX", then there's no need for the bends. in fact, the less bends down to your sump the better.

the DIY design is for guys that want something quick and simple that doesnt require drilling holes into the tank

 

[Griller]

Thanks for the correction abour flow rates guys.