overflow and return pump 75 gallon

[lstmysock11]

Need to get an idea of what size overflow for a 75 gallon tank. I found one and pretty sure I can drill it but not sure what size overflow or return pump.

 

[DCR]

I would look for a ghost type overflow that is at least 12-16" wide. You don't really need the wider overflows for the flow, but the increased surface skimming is a plus. The longer the better.

For a pump, I would look for a pump that can deliver about 800-1200 gph at zero head and has about 10-13 ft of max head. This should get you something like 400-700 of actual gph. I would use 1" return pipe or two 3/4" returns.

 

[lstmysock11]

Could you link the type of overflow your talking about? No clue what pump could fit the bill, New to reefing so no clue about what to look for

 

[lpsouth1978]

I had the EMS 32" overflow on my 75g and LOVED it!! It is a little bit more expensive, but worth the extra $ IMO. I prefer the 3 x drains so that i can do a bean animal setup.

EMS 32" overflow

Or the Fiji Cube overflow

Fiji Cube Overflow

 

[DCR]

Unfortunately Modular Marine is not taking any orders at the moment. This is the website

modularmarine

Here is an example:

MODULAR MARINE 1800 gph LOW PROFILE Overflow Box with REMOVABLE WEIR | eBay

Exotic Marine Systems link is listed in the post above. The main difference is modular marine uses vertical slots on the internal box and EMS uses horizontal slots. Both will make very wide overflows for maximum surface skimming. I am pretty sure both of these are just hobbyists running an operation from their garage so delivery can be an issue at times but they make high quality products. The Fiji cube is another option. A lot of people seem to like them.

I would recommend an Eheim 1262 for a pump, which is an AC (fixed speed pump). They are super reliable and can easily last you 20 years. Some people find they make a bit too much noise for their liking. If you are sensitive to that then go DC, but the reliability is not the same and the cost is higher. I would probably choose either a VarioS-6, the Neptune COR-20, an Ecotech Marine Vectra M2, or a Sicce SDC-7.0. Could also go with the Sicce ADV-7.0 which is fixed speed but lower speed which makes it quieter. With DC pumps I would oversize to about 2000 gph so you can reduce the speed and noise. I would have some type of back-up available with any DC pump. Not a bad idea for an AC as well but less critical.

 

[Llyod276]

I just drilled my 75g over the weekend and put in a CPR something or other. 2 take aways make sure you silicon and thread tape the threads on the bulkhead(s). Also be advised they are loud. Research how to silence yours. Otherwise you'll have a draining bathtub effect. Also get a lid. A larger sump is better in the sense that if you have a lot of equipment and you want it inside the sump, you'll need space. Like I have currently a 20 gallon and it's getting crowded, therefore I'm getting a 40 gallon to go underneath so I gain more room. Hopefully I dont fill it up with gadgetry as well.

 

[lpsouth1978]

I just drilled my 75g over the weekend and put in a CPR something or other. 2 take aways make sure you silicon and thread tape the threads on the bulkhead(s). Also be advised they are loud. Research how to silence yours. Otherwise you'll have a draining bathtub effect. Also get a lid. A larger sump is better in the sense that if you have a lot of equipment and you want it inside the sump, you'll need space. Like I have currently a 20 gallon and it's getting crowded, therefore I'm getting a 40 gallon to go underneath so I gain more room. Hopefully I dont fill it up with gadgetry as well.

I don't know which overflow you got, but virtually none of what you said should be necessary. You should NOT use thread tape on plastic bulkheads, silicone thread grease is fine, but should not be necessary if the bulkheads are installed properly. Also,there should be little to NO noise from the overflow if set up properly as well. Get an overflow with at least 2 drains, 3 is even better. If there are 2 drains, you would set it up as a "herbie" style overflow. If 3, it would be a "bean animal". Both are virtually silent when done correctly.

The one thing I agree with is that you will want to get the largest sump you can fit. There are a number of advantages to a larger sump, some of which you mentioned already.

 

[lstmysock11]

Where can I find into on Herbie and bean animal style overflows? Also what is the difference between the AC and DC return pumps? Why a battery backup on the DC pump and not as needed for a AC one?

 

[lpsouth1978]

You can just do a google search for "bean animal overflow' or " herbie overflow". There is a TON of info out there.

The Herbie style basically uses 2 drains. One is set up as a full syphon and has a gate valve installed inline. The second drain is an emergency/open drain.

The bean animal is basically the same, but has a third drain, the secondary drain. This drain is used as a backup in case the full siphon gets clogged. In which case it becomes a full siphon.

DC pumps are more efficient than AC, usually quieter, and use less power. They are also controllable. It is not that DC pumps need battery backup while AC do not, but due to the power draw of an AC it is simply not done without a generator. DC is much easier to power for long periods on a battery where AC would only last minutes on even a rather large battery.

 

[lstmysock11]

You can just do a google search for "bean animal overflow' or " herbie overflow". There is a TON of info out there.

The Herbie style basically uses 2 drains. One is set up as a full syphon and has a gate valve installed inline. The second drain is an emergency/open drain.

The bean animal is basically the same, but has a third drain, the secondary drain. This drain is used as a backup in case the full siphon gets clogged. In which case it becomes a full siphon.

DC pumps are more efficient than AC, usually quieter, and use less power. They are also controllable. It is not that DC pumps need battery backup while AC do not, but due to the power draw of an AC it is simply not done without a generator. DC is much easier to power for long periods on a battery where AC would only last minutes on even a rather large battery.

Okay still waiting to hear back about the one tank, It is drilled on the back. Has two holes drilled close together. Guessing for the overflow they had installed. Two holes at the end of the back near the top, Guessing for two return lines. That tank also was told comes with the overflow and is only 100 dollars.

The second tank is from 2007 and unkown if the back is tempered or not, do not know the brand either. That one is 50 dollars and both tanks come with a stand and both 75 gallon.