which lifereef overflow?

[Lynnmw1208]

I have the via aqua pump rated for 1057gph. couple of questions:

1.should I go with the double lifereef overflow rated at 1200gph?
2. the other one is only rated for 600gph would that be enough for 125g?
3.If so should I put ball valves on all pvc to be able to regulate flow if it's too much?

thanks much! :dance:

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

*calculate GPH of main pump at point of discharge (that means figure in head loss!)

*how much can your drains handle.... will your pump need to be dialed back?

in most cases such as yours the single Lifereef 600 GPH overflow is enough

 

[Lynnmw1208]

I can't figure out how to use that calculator on the home page :hmm5: it says 0 gph lol. I'm not going to use rigid pvc but flex pvc for both drain and return lines. I think its about 5 feet drained down into sump and 5 feet on the return line. might even be less than that. the width of the hose I assume for a 1" bulkhead would be .75 and probably 1 ball valve on return line. I put all that in and the calculator didn't read right.

anyways I wasn't sure how much flow I needed for my system and I always live by the rule "you can't filter too much" lol would going with the 600gph drain and cutting back the pump (1057gph) that much will that affect the pump? that's cutting it back almost in half? I was trying to get them an equal number but it's almost impossible.

is it an option to get the double bulkhead overflow and put ball valves on those to control that flow? or is that not feasible?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

never restrict drains (insert exclamation point here).
Use all the drain capacity that you can provide.

5 ft. pumped vertical is 5ft. working head.
Add to that 1ft. head for each 90 degree turn.
I believe a ball valve is good for an additional 1 ft. head.

So figure you have between 7-9 ft. working head.

 

[Lynnmw1208]

would cutting my pump in half hurt it though?

 

[Lynnmw1208]

any other opinions?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

err on the side of caution.

since larger drain capacity is desirable you might want to go that route.
OTOH, you could always "T" off the pump's return (with a mainifold) in order to feed additional devices. (As shown on the Lifereef website).

Personally, I'd go with the single overflow and dial back the pump (if necessary) with a valve.

 

[iwishtofish]

I would recommend without compromise that you drill your tank for an internal overflow, preferably one that drains from the top of the tank and has a somewhat wide overflow shelf for optimal surface-skimming. The over-the-top siphon overflows can be very reliable, but you'll find yourself looking at one every day to see if it's time to clean algae from the tube(s), flush out any bubbles (they can accumulate in the tube and grow into a big worry), or if any snails (or algae clumps) have found their way in to impede the system.

Siphon overflows can be very reliable, but in my experience they can be a constant worry that gets old fast. Drilling may seem harder at first (it's really not that hard: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1757242 ), but should make the hobby more enjoyable overall as an end result.

Just my opinion, of course. Whatever you choose, best of luck in your venture!