Sump without overflow?

[ajslick]

I have a 65 gallon with an emperor 400 filter. I am looking to build a sump but i dont want to drill the tank and i hate the look of an overflow box. Is there and thing else i can do? I was thinking about using two pumps, one for draining and one for return, will that even work?

 

[scsinet]

No it won't, and if you try it you'll end up finding out the hard way!
It is completely impossible to get the two pumps to balance each other and stay that way.

 

[ajslick]

I guess I'm gonna have to go with the overflow then. What are some good quality overflow boxes? Im look to keep the tank as clean looking as possible so the slimmer and smaller the better

 

[scsinet]

I've always run the CPR overflow boxes, but lots of people hate them, so maybe I'm not the best person to ask.
One thing I can tell you is to stay below 80% of an overflow's rated flow. I've found that manufacturers tend to push the bullet a bit when they are rating their overflows, and they work MUCH more reliably if you don't push your luck. So if you have a 1000gph overflow, then don't run more than 800gph through it. Alternatively, if you know your desired flow, add 20% and that's the smallest overflow you want.

 

[mudplayerx]

I got an eshopps overflow box online for around $40. Very inexpensive and the design is just as good if not better than the ones that sell for $150 or more.