Sump/fuge overflow and return pump

steveoutla

steveoutla

Member
Ok, I'm getting the glass cut for my sump/fuge today and am going to start looking for overflow and return pump. Any suggestions? I'm using a 20g long for the sump/fuge and will be splitting the return to go to the fuge like this:
 
steveoutla

steveoutla

Member
Well, what if I already bought a 1000gph overflow. should I get a return pump that will handle twice that?
Thanks.
 
tapeworm

tapeworm

Member
Your goal should be 20-40 times tank volume turnover per hour, assuming it is a reef tank.
On a 55, that is between 1000 GPH to 2000GPH.
If you get a 1200 pump, it will probably return 800GPH or so. You can always use the excess flow to run a UV filter or something.
Just make sure you manage the pump return through a SCWD or something, split the flow so it is not just a stream.
Hope this helps.
 
steveoutla

steveoutla

Member
So if I were to get a CPR CS100 (800gph) and an a mag drive supreme 12 (1200gph) this should take care of my 55g easily. Right? And what is an SCWD......is that like a wavemaker? Can I just "T" the return piping to split it in 2?
 
tapeworm

tapeworm

Member
SCWD is a wave device that switches current from outlet to the other and back. It looks like a big T connection. The advantage in it over a normal T is that is creates waves, not just constant stream.
I like the 1200 for the 55, thats what I run on mine.
 
robchuck

robchuck

Active Member
TapeWorm laid out a very good plan. A Mag 12 with a SCWD plumbed inline will probably match what the CPR CS100 overflow is capable of handling, though also installing a ball valve or gate valve would help to slow the flow out of the Mag 12 if the pump is too powerful for the overflow.
A SCWD is a device that takes the place of a "T". It takes a single source of water through the bottom and alternates the flow between the two outlets, switching every few seconds. Here is a picture of one:
 
steveoutla

steveoutla

Member
RobChuck - Last question......If I'm using the design below will the Mag12 be enough to keep up if I'm using a T to send some of the return into my fuge?
Thanks.
 
tapeworm

tapeworm

Member
The Mag 12 will be enough, yes.
If you have extra flow, T out of the return line into a UV sterlizer and back into the sump.
 
clown52

clown52

Member
Wow this is exactly the info I have been looking for. I am about to start this for my 55 reef as well.
steveoutla - what kind of skimmer are you going to be useing? I currently have a HOB prism and I hate it. Looking for something to go in sump.
Also, are you going to be putting a heater into your sump?
 
steveoutla

steveoutla

Member
Clown52 - I've got an Aqua C Remora HOB that works great. I'm going to be putting that in the sump area. I'm going to be putting 1 200w heater in the Sump and 1 200w heater in the Fuge. this might be overkill but we'll see how it works.
 
J

jfdjason

Guest
Steve,
Looks great and I am thinking about somewhat copyin your idea. My questions are this.
1. What would you say was your approx. cost of this project?
2 Is the split going to the fuge working good for you?
3. Also could you post a few pictures of the overflow on your tank that you are using to get the water to the sump.
Thanks for the replys.
 
steveoutla

steveoutla

Member
Jason,
I haven't put it together yet but I'm working on it. As far as the cost goes it is as follows:
20g long aquarium - $25.00
4 glass baffles - $6.00 each (cheaper to use glass rather than acrylic).
Mag 12 pump with filter - $97.90
SCWD - $5.95
2 U tube returns - $5.95 each
Amiracle overflow - $34.95
The pump might have to be returned because the overflow is only rated for 600gph and the pump is rated for 1200gph. Either that or I'll just get a 2nd overflow. I've also changed a little because I was told by people who know a lot more about this than me that it is better to have raw water going into the fuge rather than going through the skimmer first. Here is a diagram of what I'm going to do now.
Squidd - If I'm going to use this design and I have a 600gph overflow with a 1200gph pump, should I get another overflow or get a weaker pump? Instead of using a "T" on the return it will be going through an SCWD.
 
hurt

hurt

Active Member
It looks great. But why do you have a ball valve in the line directly from the overflow to sump/fuge? The overflow will only process as much flow as is put in the tank from the return pump. You don't want to back up your overflow.
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member

Originally posted by steveoutla
Squidd - If I'm going to use this design and I have a 600gph overflow with a 1200gph pump, should I get another overflow or get a weaker pump? Instead of using a "T" on the return it will be going through an SCWD.
Two overflows will allow you to use all the flow from the pump...
The SCWD will "cut" about 30% from your total "to tank" due to restrictive nature of the SCWD...
Might want to look at the OM Squirt...if your going that way...
 
steveoutla

steveoutla

Member
Squidd - How much is the OM Squirt and where would I find it? Also, what are my other options? I've already bought the the overflow, pump and scwd. Should I use 2 overflows for a 55g? Will an overflow draining directly into the fuge be too much running through the fuge? Can I possibly ask any more questions? :D
 
squidd

squidd

Active Member
$125...and you'll have to do your own search for Oceansmotions dot, etc...No links allowed and all that...:yes:
"Directed" flow is cool so the Squirt or SCWD would be first choice if going C/L...
Tunzee Turbell streams with an electronic controler would blow you away if you go the "powerhead" route...but probably "overkill" for a 55...
Next would be a "spreader bar" with 4-6 large diameter "flex" outlets (loc line)...
Or you could just sit on the hood with a canoe padle and "stir"
it all day...:D
A soft start electronic "wavemaker" and a couple cheap powerheads is also an option...
Sounds like you already have some of this equipment, so I don't want to rock the boat...BUT...one overflow and a matching pump would give you 10X turnover from your sump...(and plenty for your skimmer and filtration) then add another 500-700- from a C/L system and your good to go...
If you run two overflows...join them together under the tank and then drop a large line to the sump and a smaller line to the fuge...put a ball valve on each to "regulate" how much each gets...
 
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