Squidd. Need your help on overflow box.

[sco999]

Would this work well for a 38Gallon 36"x12.25"x20"? I would install a stand pipe on it. It is rated for 600GPH. It has a 1 inch bulkhead fitting included.
I will have 60Lbs of LR, and a 2" sand bed using and aquarium calculator I come up with 29 gallons of water. Turned over 20X per hour will need 600GPH correct?
I will be using a 29galon sump/ref. so I will need a 600gph return pump correct. Which one do you recomend?
Thanks Squidd you the MAN!

 

[squidd]

Sounds good...You set your "Goal Flow" at 20X o 600gph...and are planning on getting it all through sump return...Doable at this size level...
What are you planning on keeping in the tank...? You may want to look at supplemental flow down the road...powerheads what ever..
600 gph over flow with 1" bulkhead is good, but I'm not totally sold on the "box type" overflows (ala CPR) I'm more a fan of the "U" tube type for the adjustability and consistant siphon they have compared to the others...
Although may others use that type....(just watch for siphon breaking bubble build up in the box/loop...)
For the pump...you will want one that delivers "close to" (slightly under) 600 gph "TO" the tank (after compensating for head loss, Line, elbow and outlet restriction...)
So you will want a pump rated higher than 600gph.. How much higher depends on the height from sump to top of MT as well as line/elbow/outlet choice...
Mag 7 is a little low at 450 gph, Mag 9 too much at 750 or so...
Quite one 4000 will do 585 (right in the ballpark...) OR....
You could do a Mag 9 and then get "split/alternating" flow with a SCWD and two outlets...
Now you have random flow and movement and will match the 600 gph overflow...

 

[sco999]

I was planning on using 2 or 3 maxi-jet 900's what do think? Would 3 be to much? I have plan's for a DIY overflow box using 1 lee's speciman box and 1 lee's large speciman box. But I am concerned with what kind of gph it will have? The article did not state that. What do you think about design? I will have to push the water up 54" for return to the MT. Also would a 20 gallon be suitable for a sump/ref instead of the 29Gallon. 20 gallon would leave me more room on top. Also when I pick out my skimmer what gph shoud I get or does it matter?
Thanks so much Squidd
We are all lucky to have you here.

 

[squidd]

I've done a bunch of those "specimen box overflows..have onr on my frag tank now...1" bulkhead will give you the 600 gph your looking for..
As far as sump..."deeper" (front to back) is better than taller...but if they have the same "footprint" the 29 will give a few more gallons in the fuge area...
Most skimmers in that size range (I'm thinking Aqua C remora Pro HOB) come with the proper pump, so that's a non-issue...
Although when sizing overflow to skimmer...I like to see skimmer being "fed" at least 1 X skimmer pump rating, if not more....

 

[sco999]

So the skimmer should be rated at about 450 gph correct? Also how would I prevent critters from getting into the small specimen box? Did you attach your two boxes together or are they both just hanging on the tank with no modifications besides the angle cut on the small box? Would drilling 3/8" holes in the small box be a good Idea? Or should I cut the angle like you did? What do you think would 3 maxi-jet 900's be to much for my tank?
Thanks again

 

[squidd]

The big one (outer) hangs off the back with the standard flange and lip...The inner one I cut the back lip off and superglued the flange to the top of the back box...
I've been running my overflows with the "weir" lip (no teeth) and have had snails and the occasional fish take the trip down the "tube"... But I haven't "lost" anybody because of it...
The holes as shown on your pic will work too (as long as they're big enough ) and should keep the errant traveler at bay...
Adding powerheads (or not) to increase flow over the 20X from the sump return still depends on what you plan on putting "in" the tank...

 

[sco999]

I plan on having a couple of percula's and maybe a cardinal fish, goby's, blenny's, or jawfish. I haven't decided yet, the only fish I am sure of are the 2 percula's. I wan't to be able to have a variety of different coral and different invert's. Am not sure which ones yet but I don't want to be limated due to lack of turnover or to much turnover. I would like to be able to choose from the largest range of different creatures possible for my tank size. I will be using one 250W MH 10,000K.
So the pump on the skimmer needs to be just under 600gph.
Also would 3/8 holes be large enough to achieve 600 gph with a 1" bulkhead? What size should the U tube be? When you say 1" bulkhead I assume this would accept a 1" ID drain tube correct? Should I use a stand pipe or can I connect the U tube directly to the bulkhead? Would teeth be better than holes? What about a filter above the bulkhead?
Sorry to pick your brain so much
Sco999

 

[squidd]

Originally posted by sco999
I wan't to be able to have a variety of different coral and different invert's. Am not sure which ones yet but I don't want to be limated due to lack of turnover or to much turnover.
>>>"General" suggestion 10X-15X FOWLR...or Softie tank...15X-20X Softie and LPS...20X-25X LPS and SPS...and for SPS "anything goes"....<<<
So the pump on the skimmer needs to be just under 600gph.
>>>Most Are...<<<
Also would 3/8 holes be large enough to achieve 600 gph with a 1" bulkhead?
>>>If you have enough of them...<<
What size should the U tube be?
>>> That will depend on "actual" flow through it...I have a thread on here on "sizing" U tubes...try a search but probably a 1 1/8" or two 1"...https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...=sizing+u+tube
<<<
When you say 1" bulkhead I assume this would accept a 1" ID drain tube correct?
>>>1" ID through standpipe and drain line...<<<
Should I use a stand pipe or can I connect the U tube directly to the bulkhead?
>>>Stand pipe...try a DIY Durso style (also on search....)<<
Would teeth be better than holes?
>>> Bout the same (as long as they are big enough or you have enough of them...trial and error...<<<
What about a filter above the bulkhead?
>>> I don't like it could clog over time and trap deitrus causing poor water conditions...I used one for awhile to "silence" a standpipe..then switched to Durso...<<<
Sorry to pick your brain so much
Sco999

 

[sco999]

20X shall be my goal!
Ok I decided to go with a SWCD. I can't find a mag 9 the only thing I can find is a "Supreme Mag Drive 9.5" is this the one you were talking about? If I use this will the Mag 9.5 be able to handle the pressure the SWCD creates? The SWCD I am looking at is rated to handle 5psi of pressure will the Mag 9.5 blow it to pieces? Also should I use a prefilter on the Mag 9.5?
Thanks

 

[squidd]

Mag 9....or 9.5 was refering to the same pump..current model 9.5 so all numbers apply...
Your only looking at 3.3 psi from the pump so SCWD will be fine...
No pre filter (foam or floss)... but wouldnt hurt to use a screen that 'll let pods through but keep out "chunks" of caco3 or whatever that might jam the SCWD...

 

[sco999]

So will the mag 9.5 be ok to use internally in the sump with the SWCD. I read an older thread from " steaveoutla " labeled "sump/fuge overflow and return pump"
Here is a cut and paste of what you suggested.
"Can you pop a bulkhead in the sump and go "external"....
Then I'd suggest a pressure rated pump, which works better with all the restriction on/ from the SCWD..."
So will I need to get a pressure rated pump for my return pump also? Or is that only necessary if the pump was external. I'm a little confused?
Thanks

 

[squidd]

In this case (your's) we are depending on the restriction to slow the flow to a level your overflow can handle and get the benifit of switched current as a bonus...
If you chose to go "linear" flow we'd go to a smaller pump..(again to match overflow)...
In his case we were looking to "increase" flow...

 

[sco999]

Ahhh, I see. So I will go ahead and order the Mag 9.5 and a SCWD. What kind of screen should I use? Nylon? How, and where, would I install the screen in the return line?
Also, where should the overflow box and outflow's be placed in the tank? How should the outflows be directed? I was thinking overflow box in the middle, and 1 U Tube outflow in each back corner of the tank, but I have no idea which way to direct each outflow.
Thanks again, I have learned so much from you.

 

[squidd]

Strainer would go on "intake" of pump in sump..
Center overflow and corner outlets is good, maybe a little more on the "sides" going across the tank (will depend on rockwork ) and it wouldn't hurt to add a powerhead in the lower front corner to push and lift in the lower reigons...

 

[sco999]

Is a strainer something I would buy as a strainer, or would it be a DIY'er.
Do I want to have the outflows pushing water in front of Rockwork, or directly at it?
Power head in just one lower front corner, or one in each lower front corner? Would maxi-jet 900 be ok?
Should I drill a small hole in u tube outflow just below water line to prevent siphon back down to sump?
Also if i go with the teeth on the strainer box how wide, how deep, and how far apart should they be?
Sorry for all the questions but I wan't to make sure I have everything planned out before I begin setting up.
You have been a great help
Thanks so much
P.S. I also have alot of questions on baffle sizing and placement for my 29gallon sump/fuge.

 

[squidd]

Originally posted by sco999
Is a strainer something I would buy as a strainer, or would it be a DIY'er.
>>>Either way..they are available for purchase (sorry no links) or you could DIY one.. or run without...just be aware SCWDs can jamb if something gets in there<<<
Do I want to have the outflows pushing water in front of Rockwork, or directly at it?
>> That'll dpend on rockwork and coral placement...in general you'll want to keep the water moving "in" the tank, rather than "bouncing" it off the rocks or glass<<<
Power head in just one lower front corner, or one in each lower front corner? Would maxi-jet 900 be ok?
>>> It's a small tank..one will be fine<<<
Should I drill a small hole in u tube outflow just below water line to prevent siphon back down to sump?
>>>In each output ..yes<<<
Also if i go with the teeth on the strainer box how wide, how deep, and how far apart should they be?
>>>Start with 3/16" slots 1/2" deep with 1/4" between...adjust from there (should be fine)<<<
Sorry for all the questions but I wan't to make sure I have everything planned out before I begin setting up.
You have been a great help
Thanks so much
P.S. I also have alot of questions on baffle sizing and placement for my 29gallon sump/fuge.

 

[sco999]

In my 29 gallon sump/fuge should i divide it in 3 equal parts, 1 for skimmer, 1 for return pump, and 1 for fuge. Or should I make the compartments for skimmer and return pump just big enough to fit equipment in, and make the fuge as large as possible. I would like to keep heater in sump/fuge. Which area would it be placed in? Would I need a gate valve on the line coming into the fuge, and one on the return line before the SCWD?
Thanks Again,
The Man With A Million Questions

 

[sco999]

I found this fuge layout in "Plumbing 101" thread. Do you think this will work well for me?
29gallon sump/fuge dimensions 30"x12"x18"

 

[squidd]

What kind of skimmer are you getting...?
I thought we were looking at a HOB...

 

[sco999]

Sorry, I already have a jebo on order.
Should I return it and get an aqua c remora?
Parts so far:
Jebo 2003 skimmer with 528 gph powerhead
mag-drive 9.5 return pump
DIY overflow box with 1" bulkhead and dursa standpipe.
SCWD with 2 u tube outflows
1 maxijet 900 powerhead
29 gallon aquarium for sump/fuge