opinions about overflows

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ditchdoctor81

Aquarium Advice Regular
Joined
Dec 4, 2006
Messages
65
I've read so much about overflow boxes tonight that my head hurts.....what is your opinion on the best one to use? I have a 100g tank, sump is going to be 20 or 25g. What size pump would you all suggest on the return? At the most 5 feet.

Thanks

jonathon
 
I use this on my 125gal

CPR CS100
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CR1515.html

I use a MaxiJet900 to keep the air out of the "U-tube"
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AS1115

For the return I use a Mag18 with a ball valve to help with restricting some flow.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=DN1131

I also use a UltraLife float switch to stop overflowing of the tank. If something wierd happens.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=UL1111

After figuring out all the little quirks of the CPR I find it easy to use and reliable.

GL with your research.
 
You want to match you return with the flow through rate of your overflow. If your overflow drains 600 gph then you should get a pump to match that. I have dual overflows in a 120 gallon tank that are rated for 600 gph each (total 1200 gph). One of the drain lines from the overflow to the sump has an elbow which probably decreases the flow a little so I doubt if I'm draining 1200 gph total. I also run a Mag 18 which is rated for 1800 gph at 0 head. It does 1375 gph at 4 ft and a little over 1200 gph at 5'. On the return lines there are a couple of 45 elbows and a tee going to the return. I also have a tee to divert some water to my Refugium with a ball valve to control that flow. Overall my flow rate is les.s than 1200 gph but you can see how the pump and the flow rate from the overflow match
 
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