Overflow/Sump Capacity

[desertdawg]

I new to salt with lots of questions, see my startup thread in the "Share Your Aquarium" section.
I have a 125g (5'L x 2'T x 18"w) tank and I picked up a lifereef 600gph overflow.
My question is, how many gallons will the overflow syphon off if the power goes off, or, how much capacity should I plan for in a sump???

 

[desertdawg]

No one?
5 gallons? 10?

 

[toosalty]

I say about 5-6 gallons, but why dont you got the power to the tank and see? You can always turn it back on if its get to close to the top. If you are looking for a sump size a 30-55g would work good for you.

 

[kingsmith]

The overflow should not be a prob without the pump on, but your return line can siphon back to your sump depending on if it is and how deeply its submerged but there are ways to safeguard against that

 

[desertdawg]

I just set up my new tank, it's tempered glass so no drilling. I just got my overflow box in the mail and dont have a sump or pump or anything else yet.
I plan on trying an algae scrubber or later a sump/refug if the scrubber doesnt work, and want to know that once I have the overflow working into a tub, and a pump pumping the water back to the tank, if the power goes off, how much water will it syphon off the DT before it stops?

 

[posiden]

Originally Posted by Desertdawg
http:///forum/post/3133601
I just set up my new tank, it's tempered glass so no drilling. I just got my overflow box in the mail and dont have a sump or pump or anything else yet.
I plan on trying an algae scrubber or later a sump/refug if the scrubber doesnt work, and want to know that once I have the overflow working into a tub, and a pump pumping the water back to the tank, if the power goes off, how much water will it syphon off the DT before it stops?
Your question can't be answered. It will all depend on how your return is set up. The ammount that is siphoned off is different for everyone. You can figure it out based on how you set it up. The lowest point in your return will detrmine the amount siphoned off. You can drill a hole in it near the top but.......I don't like that idea. They are able to become clogged with who knows what and even possibly a snail could stop over it. It just depends.
Here is the math.
LxWxH=cubic then divide by 231=gallons. Use inches to do the math.
So, if your returns are an inch under the surface.
60x18x1= 1080 inches cubed. Now divide that by 231. 1080/231= 4.675 Gallons.

 

[desertdawg]

Thanks Posiden, that is what I was looking for, I'll use that formula to help figure out what I need to be prepared for.