sump flow? please help

[new2saltwater]

Hello all,
I have decided to set up a 100g reef tank, first timer here. I have a 29g tank given to me to use as a sump. I need to buy an overflow box and return pump. Can someone tell me what kind of flow i should be shooting for through the sump. I have been researching like crazy and think maybe 800gph? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[DolphinLVR]

about 4-6 times flow through the sump, so at min 400gph and I wouldnt go any higher than 600.

 

[new2saltwater]

alright, thanks alot.

 

[jrgilles]

Remember to calculate head pressure when you size the pump. Any good pump will give you a chart saying what the GPH output is at X feet above the pump.

So, a 900 GPH pump at 5' head pressure might only be 600 GPH. You also add a foot of head pressure for every 90 degree turn.

I went with an Eheim 1262, which I'm not seeing listed on Marinedepot anymore. It gives me about 650 GPH at about 5' head pressure. Internal pump, very quite and effecient (80W if I remember correctly.) which means less heat into the system.

rob

 

[jrgilles]

Oh, I bought overflow boxes off ebay cheap. They are working good.

I highly recommend buying 2 overflow boxes. That will do 2 things for you. First, it will let you set up a 'herbie' style drain (look it up on the net, lots of info) which runs completely silent. Second, you have the second drain, so if the first clogs, it doesn't flood your house.

I'm a big fan of the herbie drain system because it is really quiet. Just my opinion though. No real right answer to how do to things.

rob

 

[thatguy559]

i use to have the same setup you have i was using a glass-holes.com overflow kit with a mag 12 as a return pump. ran perfect never had any issues, hth

 

[minhmattmai]

One thing that I've learned is that the look of sump flow could be deceptive. I was expecting massive amount of water rushing down but it was indeed just a function of the return pump.