Sump/fuge overflow and return pump

[steveoutla]

Ok, I just ordered my paddle off of that auction site!
So, since I'm slow understanding this stuff, let me know if this is ok. 2 Amiracle over flows (500-600gph) joined together. This line will hit the fuge first via spraybar and flow controlled with a ballvalve. It will then go to the sump and be flow controlled with a ball valve. It will then be returned with a mag12 flow controlled with a ball valve going through an SCWD and back into the tank. Will this work or will I need a stronger pump?

 

[squidd]

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...:yes:

 

[steveoutla]

Nope, no bulkhead.....it's a glass tank and I can't drill it.

 

[steveoutla]

I guess my main issue here is making sure that I don't have too much pump and not enough overflow. I've been reading some of the posts that say that the return pump should be rated less than your overflow. I'm lost at this.

 

[clown52]

Steve,
How's the 20 long working out? I am soon to be adding a sump/fuge (once I get all the parts collected) and can't decide on a tank size.
The 20 long would have great length but I am concerned that it will not be tall enough to handle a power outage. Have you checked this on your setup and how's it looking?
Thanks! :happyfish
I would also like someone to tell us what the overflow/pump ratings should be.
Sounds to me that the overflow can't do more than the pump lets it but the pump can do more than the overflow can handle. That being the case I would think they needed to be = or the overflow larger than the pump....but I don't really know.

 

[steveoutla]

Clown52 - I decided to go with my 29g for just that reason. I'm going to be putting my baffles in this week. I decided to go with glass baffles rather than acrylic because they're cheaper.
I'm going to take pics of the whole process and post them as I go along. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[squidd]

Originally posted by steveoutla
Nope, no bulkhead.....it's a glass tank and I can't drill it.
Sure you can...:yes:

 

[squidd]

I think maybe the confusion comes from the terms "Rating" and "Actual"...
You want the pump to return (actual) "Less Than" the overflow can take out (also actual, but based on rating)...
If you return more than (actual) the overflow can take out (actual) the tank will over flow...
If you return less than (actual) the overflow can take out (actual) it will not overflow...
Overflow "Actual" and "Rating" will be similar, because it is a "Drain"...
Pump "Rating" and "Actual" will be different because of head pressure, line size, elbow and outlet restrictions...and you may need a higher "Rating" to get the proper "Actual" flow you want....
Does that help any..??

 

[leona]

I've read this thread and other threads about DYI ( i will call it plumbing) and I'm still confused like the deer that stairs at your head lights trying to figure out which way to go...........I don't think I will ever understand this.

Leona

 

[steveoutla]

What is it that you have questions on? Squidd and RobChuck are very knowledgable......I know that their advice has kept me from making some horrible mistakes.
ALL HAIL!!

 

[leona]

Everything.. The whold plumbing thing. What this pipe does and what that pipe does. How it works in the tank. What you need make it work. Basically, Who, What, When and WHY.. Of the Plumbing for your tank. I keep reading and reading. I just need a simple black and white what this and that does and how it works.

 

[squidd]

"Everything"... That's like a Bazillion things....
Come on now...you say you've been reading so you must have "some" idea what you "might" want...
If you want to start a seperate thread, we can "talk you through" all the steps needed to get there...:yes:

 

[leona]

Ok I'm starting a new thread about it. But really I have no idea. What does what and how to make up my mind on what I want. I just keep reading that everyone has it and it's better for the tank. I understand the benifits. But I don't understand the how's to and Why's.
So what should I call the thread
"DYI: Plumbing 101 On A SW Tank"?
Leona