DIY overflow

[taznut]

tank is going to be 36"x48"x18"high (i think about 135gal)
what size should the overflow be??? i want to do it on the back of the tank although it will not be centered due to a support i am going to run across the tank...
how high does it need to be???
was thinking about a peice about 32"x17"high and bend it to fit... will this work???
i want 2 drain holes and then the return...
and if you know, what size of drain holes? return hole? and return pump? but need to know overflow size for sure (sump about 65gal with about a 5' rise)...
thank you...

 

[jackri]

Personally I wouldn't worry about getting as much overflow as possible here. Regardless you'll need more powerheads for circulation and the more overflow and bigger pump in the sump you get the more of a violent turnover you'll get from your drain and sump.
I throttled my pump in the sump way back otherwise you get loud drain noises and the whole thing (in my tank/sump anyways) was a bit too scary. I added two powerheads in what I think are key locations and keeps a nice flow that goes all the way around the tank in a circular motion with no dead spots. (its only 12" deep tho too)
My overflow box area is 12"x 6" by 12" (as tall as the tank) but I have teeth cut in 2" down and drains plenty fast as that will drain faster than your return hole anyways.
I would recommend a 1" return and 1 1/2" drain hole with a 900 - 1240 (i think) gph return pump that can be throttled back if needed.
I think you'll find that pumps plenty of water back, go much more it'll get too violent out the return.

 

[taznut]

Originally Posted by jackri
http:///forum/post/2997532
Personally I wouldn't worry about getting as much overflow as possible here. Regardless you'll need more powerheads for circulation and the more overflow and bigger pump in the sump you get the more of a violent turnover you'll get from your drain and sump.
I throttled my pump in the sump way back otherwise you get loud drain noises and the whole thing (in my tank/sump anyways) was a bit too scary. I added two powerheads in what I think are key locations and keeps a nice flow that goes all the way around the tank in a circular motion with no dead spots. (its only 12" deep tho too)
My overflow box area is 12"x 6" by 12" (as tall as the tank) but I have teeth cut in 2" down and drains plenty fast as that will drain faster than your return hole anyways.
I would recommend a 1" return and 1 1/2" drain hole with a 900 - 1240 (i think) gph return pump that can be throttled back if needed.
I think you'll find that pumps plenty of water back, go much more it'll get too violent out the return.
damn your quick... thanks again...

 

[jackri]

Just be glad you're not scratching your head for a month and a half going over the theory of this actually working and then building and working through EVERY kink that can possibly happen