Overflow Q

[vman181]

I have a Q on an overflow for/with a sump. I am not under standing the need or how it works. I have been surfing the DIY forums but can’t seam to get it. I plane on making a sump out of an old 10gal tank for my 55gal FOWLR. I have all the directions and input I need (I think) on how to make the sump. Any help on an overflow would be great.
V

 

[elitsoh]

you can buy a premade overflow box............probably your best bet.....

 

[vman181]

elitsoH
Do you know how $$ much that would run. My wife don't want me spending to much
Thanks
V

 

[vman181]

"bump"

 

[ross]

Look around on the internet. Most of them cost around $60-$90.

 

[dreeves]

Your wife dont want you spending too much...hahahahaha....
The overflow is what brings the water from the tank to the sump...it maintains, through design, a continuous siphon without regards to water level in the tank. This enables the overflow to stop, then start during power outages, etc.
There are a few brands to look at...I have two purchased ones...a Marineland S.O.S., around 65.00 or so, and a LifeReef, around 90.
Both do what they are intended to do efficiently, the LifeReef is bigger and handles more volume.
The LifeReef is also noisy compared to the S.O.S. (Silent Overflow System) which is very, very quiet.
You will also need a return pump to match the rated volume of the overflow. I usually acquire a pump with significant more gph then the overflow...and then control it with a ball valve/back pressure return directly to the sump.