Sump for 125 gallon

[walkingtall77]

Hello all. I'm building a sump for my 125. I was wondering what the flow rate should be going through the sump? I will have my protein skimmer, and other equipment in the sump. I will be using an overflow box, any recommendations? The tank will be live rock and fish. I'm using a 55 gallon aquarium for the sump. Thanks

 

[hhaase]

To give a correct answer we'd need to know which overflow you're planning on using. The critical thing is to make sure the pump size is well matched to the flow rate of your overflow box. Too fast is of course a problem, because you risk overflowing the tank. Too slow, however, allows air bubbles to accumulate in the overflow, and eventually it will lose suction if that happens.

Personally, I was extremely happy with my Lifereef overflow. They custom size the U-tubes based on the size of tank and flow rate of your return pump.

-Hans

 

[walkingtall77]

Thanks for the info. I was looking at CPR CS90 Overflow Box 600. Its rated for 600 gph, and then I was looking at Current USA eFlux 6009 DC Flow Pump for the return. It is adjustable from 210 - 1050 gph. Any thoughts on that? Thanks for your help

 

[mcgyvr]

In general flow through a sump is typically targeted at 3 to 5 times display tank volume in GPH..
So a 125G tank would want 375-625 GPH.. Some go up to 10x in Triton systems,etc... but there is really no proof that flow rates up there do anything but cost you more in electricity.

Assuming roughly 4ft of head pressure you should get around 500GPH out of that pump which will be just fine.. Make sure to plumb it with 3/4" piping and slip vs threaded fittings to achieve proper flow

 

[walkingtall77]

Thanks for the info. I think I may need a larger pump because i was thinking of putting the sump in the basement. Is it ok to run the overflow/drain line straight down into the sump or should there be a turn? Also what is the difference between threaded vs. Slip fitting? Sorry this is all new, first time with a sump.

 

[walkingtall77]

Hi guys this is probably a stupid question but how would i connect pvc to this return pump? I will include a pic., or what would be the best way. Thanks all

 

[lapin]

Not stupid question unless you dont ask
The barb fitting will unscrew form the pump then use a threaded pvc nipple to convert it so pvc pipe can be used.