How much overflow?

[GlassReef]

I'm about a month away from getting my new 375gal tank (96"X36"X25") up and running. I don't have a lot of experience with a tank this big - my questions: how many gallons per hour overflow should I plan for? What pump would you recommend?

Thanks for any help.

 

[dots]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2003/featurejp.htm

I love this article and refer people to it every chance I get.

 

[GlassReef]

Thanks, great article - though my math is a little rusty after 30 years

 

[das75]

Seems I just posted similiar in another thread, but what you planning for the tank (sps/lps/fo) and is the return you only flow or planning PH or CLs.

Suggest also looking in the large tank forum to what others with the type of tank your planning have done (what works)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=252

 

[GlassReef]

das75 - thanks for your help. My question applies only to the amount of overflow to/from the sump. I was wondering if there is something like a formula "X times the tank volume" for example. The flow in the display will be handled by 4 stream pumps on a controller. I guess what I'm wondering is - should I go as high as practicable with my overflow, or is there a point where increasing it doesn't serve any purpose. Hope I'm not making this more complicated than necessary

 

[das75]

See two general amounts often quoted for the amount through the sump being 3-5X gph turnover of the sump volume or the GPH rating of the skimmer.

I personally run more without problem but do rely somewhat on the return to get the turn over in the display.

 

[kgross]

I always suggest going with the GPH rating of the skimmer. Plus setup the sump system so that the raw water from the overflow goes through the skimmer then goes to the next section of the sump, rather than just allowing the effluent from the skimmer to mix with the new raw water and then overflow into the next section of the sump. This will allow you to maximize your skimmer. But this only works if the skimmer is sized correctly for your sump.


Slower flow through the sump will get you better surface skimming and a quiter system, use something else to generate the flow in the tank, and have the sump be the filter setup not a flow setup.

kim

 

[hiendmusic1]

wow , that great information

 

[mboley1]

Here is a link to the best article you will ever read about flow. IMO
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/1/aafeature#h5