Calling All Experts! Sump Return Flow vs Recommended Overflow Flow

[shawngt2]

Hello,

I have been trying to finalize my system design. I would like everything to be optimal from the start in regards to flow rates and minimize overflow sound (since setup beside living room couch). I realize everyone has a different opinion, but looking to hear recommendations.

To summarize my beliefs/guidelines before starting.

1. Not necessary to match sump flow with skimmer flow rates. I believe that the skimmer will reduce TOC in the system as a whole (tank + sump volume). Skimmer should be selected to handle rated 'tank' volume based on stock levels with +1 sizing.
   
2. No opinion in total flow allowed through a sump with refugium, as it is my first sump setup. Open to discussion but read online maximum recommendation to be 10x sump water volume running through the sump.
   
3. Will follow recommendations for total flow turnover in the aquarium for 30x (in my case 1800gph including return flow).

My current equipment is as follows.

• Aquarium = Marineland/Perfecto 60G Rimless Cube, Reef Ready with Corner overflow (min. 700gph for overflow recommended by Marineland for proper surface skimming and sound reduction). Overflow has what I believe to be similar to a durso intake pipe to limit height of water in the overflow. Opening grill for intake near bottom 1/3-1/2 of overflow baffle as well (I believe to have water not only enter through the top of the overflow (skimming only). Return line to tank is divided into two output flex nozzles (see below photo I took online that shows the top of overflow area partially).
  
• Sump = Custom to fit 23"x23" inside stand area. Height is 16" for water in chambers (see below photo of LFS setup, dirty). Total running water volume in sump is 24 gallons. 3 primary chambers (intake/skimmer -> refugium -> return).
  
• Skimmer = Hydor Performer 405 recirculating (rated to 125gal or 100gal heavily stocked). Run with separate recommended intake Seltz L20 pump in addition to the included Seltz foaming pump.
  
• In tank aux. flow = Qty.1 Vortech MP10

So current questions are as follows;

1. Return Pump: At this time I am eyeing the Eheim Compact+ 5000 with max flow rating of 1320gph at 0 head (I measured I will have 4ft from top of water level in sump to top of return pipe in the aquarium). Expect max flow at that head height to be ~800gph. I can T off the return line to feed back the ~100gph to the return area in the sump to fine tune the return to tank for 700gph. Issue here is flow rate through the sump would be 29x of sump volume! Not to forget the extra heat that comes from a high flow pump like this. I want to avoid a chiller at all costs and want a healthy aquarium temp (double edged sword). :sad2:
   
2. Return flow: Does anyone have experience with this newer style return and what Marineland recommends for flow (700gph)? Lots of complaints online for noise and I have written directly to Marineland and they are strong about the min. return flow to correctly supply the overflow with minimal splashing and noise.
   
3. Skimmer: Would maximum selected skimmer capacity of 125g be acceptable? See below photo with options. Don't want to overdue it with added heat which would be unnecessary, but want to make sure the water is 'clean'

All help appreciated! Cheers

Photos

Overflow (borrowed online)


LFS Custom Sump (Dirty, but I will have identical setup)


Hydor Performer Skimmer Selection

 

[pmrossetti]

It's 60 gallons. You only need about 200 to 300 gph through your sump.
So after head pressure should pump about that much. you can dial back with a ball valve if need be.
skimmer sounds fine.
A hole with a Durso handles much less than without one, like half.

In the tank flow depends on what corals you're keeping. sps 20 to 40 times tank volume.
softies lps maybe half that.

 

[shawngt2]

It's 60 gallons. You only need about 200 to 300 gph through your sump.
So after head pressure should pump about that much. you can dial back with a ball valve if need be.
skimmer sounds fine.
A hole with a Durso handles much less than without one, like half.

In the tank flow depends on what corals you're keeping. sps 20 to 40 times tank volume.
softies lps maybe half that.

Thank you for responding pmrossetti,

If I add a ball valve and plan for that much flow, then I will need to block off the openings in the baffle for the overflow in the bottom half. I think with this little flow the water will take the easier route and just go through the wall instead of over the overflow (skimming from the top). Not sure if this is common with overflow designs, but not 100% of the water goes 'over the wall'.