Sump Questions

nas19320

nas19320

Active Member
I'm thinking about adding a sump for my 55 gal. I found an Amiracle overflow box for $48. Is this a good price and also will this be sufficent and quiet? I will probably use either a 10 0r 20 gal tank. Also about how much will I have to spend on a return pump? Thanks
 
dreeves

dreeves

Active Member
When looking for an overflow and return pump...remember you can't have too much overflow versus pump gph. In other words...a 700gph overflow, with a 600gph pump (example only) would be good.
As for pump costs...external pumps are normally more expensive then submersible pumps, but, they are usually more powerfull.
 
cboyfan2020

cboyfan2020

Active Member
also take into account head pressure when selecting a pump. Head pressure in simple terms is the amount the gph drops from the pump to the outlet. In other words if your pump is sitting in sump at the bottom of your stand and the top of your tank is 5 feet high, you will have 5 feet of head pressure which will drop the gph that comes out the end of your pipe. Also any bends, tees, pipe size will effect your gph. Most pumps come with a graph that shows you the gph at a certain height.
 
nas19320

nas19320

Active Member
Ok I'm thinking of doing a sump/fuge combo but what do I need to include in the sump beside the heater and protein skimmer. Since this tank is in my bedroom whats a good quiet overflow box?
 
dreeves

dreeves

Active Member
In the sump...you will also need something to accomplish the biological filtration. Make an acrylic box with a hole in the top for the overflow tube to enter, and always use a large enough container for your sump to allow for expansion, etc.
 
cboyfan2020

cboyfan2020

Active Member
it is a HOB Aqua Clear. It is rated to 1400gph and has 2 1" drain holes. I wont be running anywhere near that gph but I have heard they are comparable to LifeReed and I got this one $50 brand new. It utilizes 2 U-tubes for siphon.
 
cboyfan2020

cboyfan2020

Active Member
I bought it from my LFS and I dont have it hooked up yet. But I have seen it in operation and it is pretty quiet. I would recommend a slow gph through the fuge. That is why I have the fuge line teed off of the return line so the water will have more contact time in the fuge. I have read anywhere from 100-300gph is good.
I don't know if my LFS sells them online but here is their website.LFS
 
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