Plumbing sump

[Parker288]

I currently have a 30g tank with just a normal store bought filter but I have a 120g tank I want to do properly with and sump but I’m really having trouble under standing the over flow and return sizes.. I have an apex so I’ve been leaning towards one of their return pumps but the whole gallons per hour and what size of pipe I need to achieve that has thrown me for a loop.. I’m just hoping someone can give me a little knowledge I’m not getting from watching videos.

Thank you!

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

This helped me a lot. But I did have to re read and go back to reference a few times...

Aquarium Plumbing Basics - Reef Aquarium

Aquarium Plumbing Basics

www.reefaquarium.com

 

[lapin]

With a 120 gallon tank you want something like 1" or 1-1/2 inch drains. If the tank does not have overflow box/boxes then you will need to drill it for an overflow box. A Bean Animal type drain is the best.
This box will only handle 1000 gph

Eclipse L Overflow Box (1000 GPH)

Quiet, Slim, Plug & Play The Eclipse aquarium overflow system consists of a slim black box that is mounted inside of your tank and a clear external box that mounts outside of your tank, to transport water down to your sump with as little noise generated as possible. The DIY project only takes a...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

The return pump should be between 5x to 10x tank volume. 1200 gph pump or more would be good. You can also dial a pump back, but not dial it up. You will lose some GPH because of pipe head pressure.
For added flow in a tank people use power heads these days.

More overflow info

https://gmacreef.com/aquarium-overflows-durso-herbie-and-bean-setups/