New to overflows and sumps

[dreamcatcherr9]

Maybe silly questions, I have zero experience with sumps.

Does it matter if overflow piping (line) are 1”; and the return pump / piping (line) is 3/4”?

If overflow is essential powered by gravity; how does one go about selecting the right sized return pump?

I can give specifics on tank and setup (totally just a planning stage) if necessary, but is there a generic answer / formula?

Sorry for my ignorance. Thank you for any help!

 

[W1ngz]

You want the drains bigger than the return line. If you're still planning, look into the bean animal style drain and avoid prefab 'reef ready' tanks.

For return pumps you want between 3-5 times the tank volume after accounting for the height the water has to go. Manufacturers have flow graphs to estimate the flow at given heights.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

You want the drains bigger than the return line. If you're still planning, look into the bean animal style drain and avoid prefab 'reef ready' tanks.

For return pumps you want between 3-5 times the tank volume after accounting for the height the water has to go. Manufacturers have flow graphs to estimate the flow at given heights.

Thank you. I’m looking at setting up an existing 115g I have (set up as fresh water, will eventually convert to salt with all new equipment).

Glass, non drilled (and not going to). So I was looking at: CPR CS202 Overflow box going to a Trigger System Crystal Cube sump or Reef Octopus 15A sump.

That set up matched at 1”. But everything I was finding for return pumps, lines and flare nozzles was at 3/4”.

So what you said makes sense.

With overflow / sump system. Is it possible for return pump to put water back in tank faster than gravity is removing it? Or opposite, draining to sump faster than pump returning to tank? Essentially overflowing sump (or emptying it into tank, overflowing the tank)?

Help?! I know nothing! Trying to make sense of it all.

 

[W1ngz]

Yes if more water goes up than comes down it can flood. This is a concern with hang on overflow boxes if the siphon fails.

The sump should be sized and filled to a level that can safely hold all the water that drains from the lines and is siphoned back through the return when the pump stops.

The 202 is fine for your size tank. All you need to find is a pump that can do 3-5x tank volume at the height you need it pumped.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Thank you! I have started research on the “Herbie Overflow” style setup (using one of the two outlets as a emergency overflow?). Again, still researching. Thank you for you time I’m responding. Sounds like I’m going in the right direction. Appreciated.

 

[gunguy05]

Thanks for asking this question. I'm in the same boat, coming from a biocube.. I get the idea of a sump, but the different types of drains, siphons, overflows is hard to wrap my mind around all at once. I did start looking at the animal bean. Just trying to see what each type does "best" and why I would want 1 vs another..

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Thanks for asking this question. I'm in the same boat, coming from a biocube.. I get the idea of a sump, but the different types of drains, siphons, overflows is hard to wrap my mind around all at once. I did start looking at the animal bean. Just trying to see what each type does "best" and why I would want 1 vs another..

Research is part of the fun. I have done plenty of FOWLR tanks, non with sumps, and playing with my first nano Reef now. I wanted to go saltwater on my big tank, and use a sump, but like you, no experience. I just don’t want a flood on my floor one day!