What overflow should I use?

Jakepen · May 9, 2017

Need some ideas for my 180 overflow. Running the vectra L1 directly under the tank. I like the synergy overflow, just for a reference.

GoVols · May 9, 2017

Jakepen said:
Need some ideas for my 180 overflow. Running the vectra L1 directly under the tank. I like the synergy overflow, just for a reference.

I like synergy reef but (lol)... he lives in my home town.

Jakepen · May 9, 2017

In one of my threads, Somebody told me the 20" wouldn't even be enough to handle the flow from my L1

Jakepen · May 11, 2017

Bump. Does the gph on the overflow need to match the gph on my return?

Fin · May 11, 2017

The Synergy 20" Shadow's maximum flow rate is listed at 2500 gph. The L1 (at 0' of head pressure) is rated at 3100 gph. The pump is not going to deliver the full 3100 gph at the end of the return and besides, it is an adjustable speed pump, so you can set your desired flow rate. IMO the 20" Shadow would be more than enough.

In Ecotech's own flow chart below, you can see that at only 5' of head pressure, the pump will deliver approximately 2200 gph - and that is IF you only have 5' of head pressure. The actual height of the plumbing, horizontal runs, fittings and valves all affect head pressure.

Also, cycling over 2000 gph through the sump on a 180 is fairly high. While some like low flow and some prefer high flow rates cycling through their sumps, about 5x the tank volume would be an approximate average of what people use. That would be less than half of what you could flow through the Shadow 20". The 16" Shadow would flow 1500 gph, which would likely be more than enough for most people's preference.

Personally speaking, on a 180, I would probably use the 16" Synergy Shadow overflow and adjust the output of the pump down, to cycle about 5x the tank volume through the sump - or 900 to 1000 gph. Just my 2¢.

Jakepen · May 11, 2017

This is what I was looking for. Thank you for taking the time. In my sump I won't have many chambers, or a fuge so I'm thinking the more flow the better.

Jakepen · May 11, 2017

Anyone else have a opinion? Considering ordering a 16" synergy, or possibly marine modulars new 24" design...

Jakepen · May 11, 2017

Worried that a 16" shadow from synergy won't offer enough volume, possibly making it noisy, or not skimming enough surface to remove any film floating on it...

jsker · May 11, 2017

@Fin pretty much hit it. I like the synergy ghost over flows. I have a CPR overflow, my system was already setup and I did not want to drill.

Jmblec2 · May 11, 2017

Get the 20in. It's what I have on my 180. More surface skiming

Jakepen · May 11, 2017

Jmblec2 said:
Get the 20in. It's what I have on my 180. More surface skiming

I'm running out of money

theMerchant · May 11, 2017

I have a 36" from Exotic Marine and a L1. I have my gate valve closed abit while running the L1 at 90%

Jakepen · May 11, 2017

Im in between a older style 24" modular marine, or a 16" ghost....

cracker · May 11, 2017

I use the 20 inch Synergy on my 180. I push at least 1200 gph thru it and it could take a lot more. Runs very quiet. I like them !

Jakepen · May 11, 2017

cracker said:
I use the 20 inch Synergy on my 180. I push at least 1200 gph thru it and it could take a lot more. Runs very quiet. I like them !

Why did you choose that over the 16?

cracker · May 12, 2017

I wanted max skim & ability to handle
flow.

Chris8232 · May 15, 2017

As long as you don't use a reducer on 1 1/2" pipes synergy 16" will flow over 2,500 gallons. Just spoke with Rick (owner and designer) at reefapalooza. They have done more test and are going to update their web site soon to show new aquire flow rate. So I pick up a 16" for my 180 build

Zachhll · May 15, 2017

There are some people having issues running the rated flow rate through the synergy 16". Btw I am a owner of a synergy sump and ato tank. They make great products. Just wish they still did custom. I personally would go with the bigger as it will handle more surface skimming and is rated for more flow or you could have one of these made by modularmarine

60" I like this option best

Jakepen · May 15, 2017

Zachhll said:
There are some people having issues running the rated flow rate through the synergy 16". Btw I am a owner of a synergy sump and ato tank. They make great products. Just wish they still did custom. I personally would go with the bigger as it will handle more surface skimming and is rated for more flow or you could have one of these made by modularmarine

60" I like this option best

Also not looking to spend over $200. Assuming that's well over $300 for the 60"

Zachhll · May 15, 2017

Your probably right it's on their custom page. But yea here is the forum with someone having issues with full flow with 1.5" pipe. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/shadow-overflow-noise.303807/

So I'd go for the 20" or the modularmarine