Flow rate for a sump on a 29 ???
- Thread starter sueandleo
- Start date
broomer5
Active Member
Hate to answer a question with another set of questions ... but
What size tank and sump ?
Submersible in sump pump or external pump ?
External or internal overflow ?
Size of you overflow return hose if external ?
You never want a return pump that will exceed your overflow's rated flow capacity, unless you plan to install a valve between the pump and return spray bar to regulate water return flow.
Doing so can lead to overflowing your display tank, and/or running your sump dry.
Sorry I just realized you have a 29 gallon tank.
What size tank and sump ?
Submersible in sump pump or external pump ?
External or internal overflow ?
Size of you overflow return hose if external ?
You never want a return pump that will exceed your overflow's rated flow capacity, unless you plan to install a valve between the pump and return spray bar to regulate water return flow.
Doing so can lead to overflowing your display tank, and/or running your sump dry.
Sorry I just realized you have a 29 gallon tank.
broomer5
Active Member
Yeah it's early and I am working on my 2nd cup of coffee.....
Have you already purchased your overflow yet ?
This piece of equipment really dictates your return pump options.
Generally you like to see a sump/return pump/overflow system that allows for 5-10 turns of water per hour - in your case a pump capable of pumping 150 to 300 gph at the given head pressure. I like to stay around the 10 turns per hour myself.
But again - it all depends on your overflow's "rated" flow capacity.
Sumps need to be large enough to allow for water to drain back from the tank upon loss of electrical power to the return pump. Sumps also need to be run with enough water in them to completely cover the pump ( if a submersible unit is used ) so you gotta be careful here.
Depth of your return spray bar into the tank will dictate the amount of water that will siphon back to your sump, before the water level drops below this point - then the spary bar will suck air and the siphon is broken. No more flow back to sump. If you have a deep spray bar, you can drill a hole in your spray bar just below the normal operating level in your display tank once you get everything runnin the way you want it, this will reduce the amount of water flowing back to the sump on power loss, and is a common practice.
What have you in mind for your overflow - if I may ask ?
Have you already purchased your overflow yet ?
This piece of equipment really dictates your return pump options.
Generally you like to see a sump/return pump/overflow system that allows for 5-10 turns of water per hour - in your case a pump capable of pumping 150 to 300 gph at the given head pressure. I like to stay around the 10 turns per hour myself.
But again - it all depends on your overflow's "rated" flow capacity.
Sumps need to be large enough to allow for water to drain back from the tank upon loss of electrical power to the return pump. Sumps also need to be run with enough water in them to completely cover the pump ( if a submersible unit is used ) so you gotta be careful here.
Depth of your return spray bar into the tank will dictate the amount of water that will siphon back to your sump, before the water level drops below this point - then the spary bar will suck air and the siphon is broken. No more flow back to sump. If you have a deep spray bar, you can drill a hole in your spray bar just below the normal operating level in your display tank once you get everything runnin the way you want it, this will reduce the amount of water flowing back to the sump on power loss, and is a common practice.
What have you in mind for your overflow - if I may ask ?
sueandleo
New Member
I was gonna get the CPR 300gph overflow... Maybe I should make my sump out of a little bit bigger tank like a 15 high... I know what you are saying about siphon back when pump stops... I had made my own wet/dry sump a few years ago... I'm just not sure what it should be for a reef...
broomer5
Active Member
Oh ... sorry for going on and on about the sump stuff then 
Sound like you got a good handle on things.
Mag 3 = 300 gph would be my choice.
Or a Mag 5 = 500 with a plastic valve.
Have not seen the pump curves, so I don't what these ratings are - head pressure wise.
Rio - I'd not recommend
If you have room - a 15 tall would add some capacity, but may be a little tight on headroom if you are putting it under an enclosed wooden stand.
Sterilite makes some nice plastic containers that many use for sumps. All kinds of different shapes and sizes, and can be found at your Walmarts and the Depot. Cheap too.
These guys sometimes allow for longer length or height than our choices of small glass tanks.
I got a 25 gallon under my tank - $6.00 bucks - works great.
Sound like you got a good handle on things.
Mag 3 = 300 gph would be my choice.
Or a Mag 5 = 500 with a plastic valve.
Have not seen the pump curves, so I don't what these ratings are - head pressure wise.
Rio - I'd not recommend
If you have room - a 15 tall would add some capacity, but may be a little tight on headroom if you are putting it under an enclosed wooden stand.
Sterilite makes some nice plastic containers that many use for sumps. All kinds of different shapes and sizes, and can be found at your Walmarts and the Depot. Cheap too.
These guys sometimes allow for longer length or height than our choices of small glass tanks.
I got a 25 gallon under my tank - $6.00 bucks - works great.