Hang-on-back overflows

Dani · 01-21-2006, 12:31 PM

I'm thinking about adding a sump to my system with a hang-on-back overflow. Just wondering if anyone has had some experience with these.

Where do you get them? What's a good brand?
How likely is a flood? What can you do to minimize this risk?
Can you get them with critter-guards built in?

Any insight would be great.

ChrisPrusha · 01-21-2006, 12:42 PM

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=CPROverflow

This is only one brand that's out there. You will need to match the gph on the overflow with the gph on the return pump.

Have you considered what size you would like your sump to be?

Dani · 01-21-2006, 12:47 PM

What kind of pump would I use for the return?

I don't know, around 10 gal? maybe more?

Dani · 01-21-2006, 12:48 PM

And what kind of gph flow would I want for a 46 gal?

reef_noob · 01-21-2006, 01:05 PM

I've heard bad things about the cpr style overflows. I prefer the u-tub style like these http://bluezooaquatics.com/livestock...nfo.php?id=672

I have a u-tube overflow on my 46 and it can handle about 600gph. I wouldn't go more than that or less than 400. You need to drive the overflow enough that no bubbles get caught in the tube or else you can lose siphon.

reef_noob · 01-21-2006, 01:07 PM

Also, if you're looking for a cheap sump, get a plastic tote from Home Depot or some department store. I've been using one for some time now and a $5 tote sure beats a $250 acrylic sump in the cost dept. The only limitation is finding one that will fit in the space you have. Mine holds about 15gal.

theplatypus · 01-21-2006, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPrusha

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...de=CPROverflow

This is only one brand that's out there. You will need to match the gph on the overflow with the gph on the return pump.

Have you considered what size you would like your sump to be?

Actually there are a few co's that make siphon overflows. Lifereef comes to mind.

Dani · 01-21-2006, 01:37 PM

Chris- so do you have a PF 300 on your tank?
So if I have a gph over 400 I don't have to worry about flooding?

markak15 · 01-21-2006, 01:39 PM

my 2 cents worth: I agree with reef_noob. I just recently switched from the CPR-type overflow to a U-tube, and the u-tube is sooo much better. It's quieter, more reliable, and the most important thing: you can actually clean it if something gets stuck or starts growing.

Dani · 01-21-2006, 01:43 PM

Well, I definitly want something quiet. And reliablility is very important. What brand/model do you have and what kind of gph are you running through it?

reef_noob · 01-21-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dani

Chris- so do you have a PF 300 on your tank?
So if I have a gph over 400 I don't have to worry about flooding?

Basically, yes. It may be a different manufacturer but same exact style. I'm driving it with an oceanrunner 2500 which pushes about 600 gph, but it's split between the main tank and refuge so I'm probably getting more like 400gph to the main tank. I definitely wouldn't want to go lower than that. Also, I modded mine with a stockman overflow pipe to reduce noise.

http://www.rl180reef.com/180/pages/s...s/stockman.htm

Dani · 01-21-2006, 01:56 PM

Okay-bare with me here, I'm new at all this.

what is a stockman overflow pipe? Okay, I checked out that link...Is this something I have to build? I'm not a diy-er. Can I buy something like this?

Oceanrunner 2500-does this sit inside or outside the sump? How big is it?

ChrisPrusha said that i need my overflow gph to match my return pump gph, does yours do this even with the split to the refuge?

where does the return pump come out into the tank?

reef_noob · 01-21-2006, 02:05 PM

A stockman overflow pipe is a relatively simple modification that reduces the noise of an overflow. An overflow without it can sound like a running toilet..not real loud, but always there. It is something you would have to build, or find someone to build for you. Not necessary, but nice to have.

You don't have to "match" gph per/se, but rather you have to make sure that you are pumping within a range between the minimum and maximum an overflow can handle. for a single u-tube overflow, this should be between 400-600 gph. The oceanrunner 2500 is a submersible pump(in sump). Another submersible pump you could run is a danner mag drive 7. Look for something that pumps around 600-700 gph, because you'll lose some gph by pumping up the 3-6 feet to the top of the tank. I used rigid pvc tubing to plumb my overflow and return line, but many people have used vinyl tubing quite sucessfully. Make sure that you plumb a ball valve into the return line so that you can regulate the flow back to the tank if it is too much for the overflow to handle.

Dani · 01-21-2006, 02:30 PM

What is a ball valve?

The link you posted showing the stockman overflow pipe is with pvc, would you use this same system with vinyl tubing?
I think i'm going to have to pay someone to build me one. I don't have any of those tools.

reef_noob · 01-21-2006, 02:38 PM

The stockman overflpow is just the little white part you see in the pic below. A ball valve allows you to restrict flow in a line. Take a look at the pics I put in your "make over my tank" thread, the red handled parts in the pvc return are ball valves.