Return pump question

[pstanley]

Do you have to have some type of flow control with the return pump (either built into the pump itself or through some type of flow control in your return PVC)? I have read a lot of reviews of various pumps stating that the pump was too strong and would empty out the sump faster than the overflow box could fill it. It seems like there is a very fine line of trying to find a pump that balances with your overflow box (or am I over thinking this?)

 

[geridoc]

You could put a gate valve on the outlet of the return pump, but I think it makes more sense to size the pump correctly to handle the rated capacity of the overflow, and no more.

 

[beaslbob]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pstanley http:///t/396517/return-pump-question#post_3533056
Do you have to have some type of flow control with the return pump (either built into the pump itself or through some type of flow control in your return PVC)? I have read a lot of reviews of various pumps stating that the pump was too strong and would empty out the sump faster than the overflow box could fill it. It seems like there is a very fine line of trying to find a pump that balances with your overflow box (or am I over thinking this?)
If the pump is faster then the drain IMHO the best thing to do is increase the diameter of the drain.

this should not be all that much of a problem. As a really rare and last resort solution, you can simply use pvc with a valve that will direct some of the return water to the sump/refugium intake. That way the pump will still be acting at max effeciency with less water pumped back to the upper container.

my .02

 

[pstanley]

Beaslbob - I am actually still in the planning phase now and need to buy the pump, sump, and overflow. Running some of the water to a refugium is a possibility.
GeriDoc - if I buy an overflow rated for 800 gph I just need to buy a pump rated for the same amount? How close do I actually need to be (for example, should a pump rated for 900 gph work with an overflow rated for 800 gph?) I am trying to run into as few problems as I can prior to getting equipment home and finding out that I need to make modifications.
Thanks for your help.

 

[2quills]

Yes, try to get a pump that is close but won't exeed the overflows capacity after the head loss of the pump. A 900gph pump in your average situation of around 4-6 feet of head hight would probably work just fine.
There are some pumps out there that have adjustable flow rates as well. The Eheim Compact line of pumps comes to mind.
HTH

 

[beaslbob]

Quote:Originally Posted by Pstanley http:///t/396517/return-pump-question#post_3533063
Beaslbob - I am actually still in the planning phase now and need to buy the pump, sump, and overflow. Running some of the water to a refugium is a possibility.
GeriDoc - if I buy an overflow rated for 800 gph I just need to buy a pump rated for the same amount? How close do I actually need to be (for example, should a pump rated for 900 gph work with an overflow rated for 800 gph?) I am trying to run into as few problems as I can prior to getting equipment home and finding out that I need to make modifications.
Thanks for your help.

Good
I would recommend you build your own overflow and return pipe from pvc. only costs like $20 or so.
Please keep in mind the overflow capacity is maximum. And the overflow will work for any flow less than that value. No need to match overflow with pump.
Also the pump gallons/hour (GPH) is a function of pump height. The rated gph is usually at 0 pump height but can be only half when pumping the water up to a location 4 feet higher. The manufacturer should have a graph to help you out.
(my old pvc overflow thread: https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/370270/the-beaslbob-trap-s )
.02

 

[pstanley]

Ahhhh, ok. That makes sense. If I had to match overflow GPH for return pump GPH (taking into account the length of pipe, pump height, etc.) than that would leave little room for error. I just need to make sure the pump is rated less than the overflow....that takes all of the pressure off my decision making

I read through your "build your own overflow" thread...very interesting. Adds more possibilities.

 

[beaslbob]

Quote:Originally Posted by Pstanley http:///t/396517/return-pump-question#post_3533079
Ahhhh, ok. That makes sense. If I had to match overflow GPH for return pump GPH (taking into account the length of pipe, pump height, etc.) than that would leave little room for error. I just need to make sure the pump is rated less than the overflow....that takes all of the pressure off my decision making

I read through your "build your own overflow" thread...very interesting. Adds more possibilities.

You're welcome. Wish I had this when I started. Could have saved some bucks.
FWIW you also can save a lot by using plastic storage containers for a sump/refugium. Last time I checked wall mart had 30g containers for like $10 or so.
I do also recommend you have a large refugium the drains into the smaller sump. The sump is where the water level will vary. By splitting them up you can not only have a larger refugium but that refugium can run at a constant and much higher water level.
Another thing to consider is using small containers inside larger ones. The smaller containers will act like baffles in all the various designs you will see.
Finally, as crazy as it sounds you might also consider an in tank refugium. Just a partition to seperate a small area from the rest of the tank. Then grow macro algaes in that area. What I did was just cram in 1/4 sq plastic grid (egg crate) 3" in front of the back glass. Then added a couple of 4' utility lights behind the tank pointing forward. Cost all of $20 or so. Macros and pods thrived between the egg crate and back glass, nitrates dropped to 0 in 3 weeks, and my tangs were constantly graising on the macros the poked through the egg crate.
my .02
oh yea, that was for a 55g 4' tank.