return pump in display as overflow? (equal gph as sump return) would it work?

[elliottgraniteo]

I've been wondering if it would be possible instead of an overflow box could you place a return pump in the display tank with equal GPH as the return pump in the sump? I don't want to drill the tank and don't want to spend big money on an external overflow box.

 

[fcmatt]

you must see the flaw in the plan right? When one pump stops working one day...

There is a reason canister filters are sealed tight and have a single pump.

 

[KStatefan]

I've been wondering if it would be possible instead of an overflow box could you place a return pump in the display tank with equal GPH as the return pump in the sump? I don't want to drill the tank and don't want to spend big money on an external overflow box.

Will never get the to match GPH.

 

[andrewkw]

Besides all of the above you will almost certainly spend more on 2 pumps then you would either for a glass drill bit and bulkheads assuming the tank is not tempered or a hob overflow. Unless of course you are planning on really cheap pumps - not that expensive ones would do the job in question regardless.

Keep in mind unless it's a huge custom tank, the actual glass box is not going to be one of the most expensive parts of a reef aquarium.

 

[elliottgraniteo]

I guess lift height would cause difference even if you had 2 of the same pumps now that I think about it.

 

[vtecintegra]

Won't work. That's asking for a disaster. Get an overflow.

 

[elliottgraniteo]

Besides all of the above you will almost certainly spend more on 2 pumps then you would either for a glass drill bit and bulkheads assuming the tank is not tempered or a hob overflow. Unless of course you are planning on really cheap pumps - not that expensive ones would do the job in question regardless.

Keep in mind unless it's a huge custom tank, the actual glass box is not going to be one of the most expensive parts of a reef aquarium.

Yeah tank in question is only a 40B. Wasn't planning on expensive pumps in the first place if I did ever attempt it. Just wanted to see what every one else thought since a quick google search didn't really bring anything up about it.

 

[Big E]

You can probably get a used old school U-tube overflow box locally for about $20-30.
Ask on local forums
I'd also check the used equipment sales sections
Put in a request also in the want to buy section

This is a good price for a new one--

Choosing an Aquarium Overflow - Bulk Reef Supply

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.marinedepot.com

 

[mattzang]

https://www.marinedepot.com/marine-depot-elite-overflow-box-w-holesaw-drill-bit-small


that's what i'd do if i were doing a 40 breeder as a DT. looks pretty easy and if it doesn't work out, 40 breeders are $50 at petco right now. way better than the impending disaster of the two pump thing

 

[Lasse]

Sooner or later - water on the floor with that solution - if you do not spent $xxxx on level indicators, flow meters and other safety devices

Sincerely Lasse

 

[fish farmer]

Yeah tank in question is only a 40B. Wasn't planning on expensive pumps in the first place if I did ever attempt it. Just wanted to see what every one else thought since a quick google search didn't really bring anything up about it.

Done it...same situation way back in the day, didn't want to drill, didn't want to spend money. I made a overflow box(old aquaclear HOB), put a pump in it with a float switch. I valved it somewhere, could never get the flow just right. I was soon buying a CPR overflow box.

There are some things that work well as DIY....this is not one of them....drill the tank if it is dry right now.