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#1
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![]() Hey all,
I have a 96 gallon reef tank going right now and I'm running it with a fluval filter and would like to change to using a sump pump. Now I don't know much about going about this, so I was wondering if anyone could give some good advise. How big does the sump pump have to be? With the tank having water and corals and fish in it already I'm guessing it's not possible to drill the tank so I'm thinking I'd have to go in over the top of the tank with lines, like I do with my filter now, is that correct? I'm just looking into doing this at this time so any advise would help. Thanks, Colin |
#2
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![]() There are a number of solutions including ready made overflow boxes for undrilled systems. However, if you can find a way to drill the tank, that would be preferable. This does not have to be the bottom of the tank either, many overflows are designed with holes drilled near the top of the display tank. The issue with over the top style overflow systems is that they are prone to losing 'siphon' and this will starve your return pump if not noticed in due time. There are other consequences as well, hence the better way is to drill the display for proper drain.
As far as return pump size, this will depend on the size of your system and the amount of head pressure the pump has to overcome to return the water to the display.
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Mike 77g sumpless SW DIY 10 watt multi-chip LED build ![]() |
#3
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![]() how would a side drilled overflow lose siphon??
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#4
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![]() how would a side drilled overflow lose siphon??
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#5
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![]() It wouldn't. I was referring to the U tube hang on overflow boxes that are available.
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Mike 77g sumpless SW DIY 10 watt multi-chip LED build ![]() |
#6
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![]() read the whole post
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150 mixed reef 14 fish 4 shrimp 50+ snails 55 sump long spine urchin 20 snails Shawn |
#7
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![]() right... sorry guys.
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#8
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![]() a over the top over flow has water on both sides this aids in the tube that goes over the tank to always have water pressure somewhat to keep the water in the tube in the event of a power outtage.
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180 starfire front, LPS, millipora Doesn't matter how much you have been reading until you take the plunge. You don't know as much as you think. |
#9
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![]() I have used and still use overflow box's....the design is so much better now....I have one on a 72 gallon tang...Even if power goes out...they start up just fine....buy a pump that is rated higher than you need...I use a aquamedic 3500
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#10
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![]() Over flow boxes work however I still don't trust them ... I have drilled the top back of several tanks and find that to work just fine. Get a sump return pump that will handle the head pressure you will have from pumping the water to the top of the tank however don't use too big of a pump as it could over power your filter in your sump .... use your return pump for just moving water to be filtered not for flow in the tank.
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